Congratulations to the graduation class of 2017! Earlier today the ACT released national data for the class of 2017, so we can announce the stellar academic success of BJA’s class of 2017. Bob Jones Academy has consistently performed well above the state and national averages, but BJA’s class of 2017 had an average composite score of 25.3 on the ACT’s college entrance examination, the highest in the history of BJA!
The good showing of our seniors was the result of a team effort on the part of students, parents, and teachers—way to go, team! Let me give a loud shout-out to all of our teachers from the child development center to the high school for the excellent job that they do. The work that they have invested in curricular planning, differentiated teaching, and technology integration, as well as their Christlike love for their students, has contributed to this success.
We are also grateful to the many who serve faithfully at BJU Press, which provides first-class textbooks and support materials. The textbooks present truth from a biblical worldview and equip students with the tools they need to effectively serve the Lord in today’s world.
Students are tested in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The ACT measures achievement in or understanding of these subjects, not simply ability. So rather than reflecting how “smart” the class of 2017 is, these scores reflect hard work. Over the last several years, we have worked to provide additional high school classes that are taught at learning levels appropriate for each student, from general to honors classes, as well as advanced courses such as Physics, Biology 2, and Precalculus and numerous dual-credit college classes. In addition, we have strengthened the Learning Resource Center to address individual learning needs. Each student has achieved well at his or her level of ability, with 73 of 83 graduates qualifying for one of South Carolina’s achievement-based scholarships.
As you review the chart below, you may note that South Carolina experienced approximately a two-point decline in each area last year (for example, the composite average score dropped from 20.4 to 18.5). This is likely due to the added new requirement last year that each public school student, not just the college-bound students, take the ACT. BJA has always had all of our students take the ACT.
Scripture challenges each believer to work “heartily, as to the Lord” (Col. 3:23) and not to “glory in his wisdom” (Jer. 9:23). With that in mind, let’s give glory to the Lord, “the LORD which [exercises] lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth” (Jer. 9:24).
Here are the numbers! Well done! Keep up the good work!
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