Lincoln High School’s class of 2027 experienced the highest average SAT scores that they had in the past decade, while AP students also exceeded expectations on their exams, demonstrating the incredible hard work of both groups.
The high scores are a result of Lincoln’s combined effort to implement SAT prep into students’ english and math classes. The high school has also utilized the online program Khan Academy, and practice test program Horizon in its student preparation
“In many ways, it’s not just about the knowledge, but there’s also a component of being comfortable with the test,” said Lincoln Superintendent Dr. Kevin MacNamara.
Lincoln’s 539 average English score on the SATs exceeded the statewide average by a considerable 60 points. LHS also saw its highest number of passing students in this subject since 2018, with 73.5% of students meeting or exceeding expectations.
The fact that students at LHS scored so much higher than the state is impressive, but not surprising.
“Lincoln has traditionally outscored the state,” english department head Jayson Schofield said. “And remember, when you look at that state average, it’s a combination of a variety of different kinds of schools. There are schools that are fortunate like ours, but there are also schools who do not have a lot of the benefits that our school enjoys.”
In mathematics, Lincoln’s average score of 522 surpassed the statewide average of 449. 48.9% of students met or exceeded expectations – a considerable jump since the COVID pandemic in 2019, when only 39.2% of students passed.
“The students took ownership of their tests last year, and it showed,” math department head Paul Ruhle said. “It made all of us teachers very proud of the current senior class, and hopefully, they have set the example for future classes to do their best.”
Despite the increasing significance of SATs in determining if students will get accepted into college or university, Dr. MacNamara believes that it is not the sole predictor of success.
“It is just one measure, and there have been students that have not done well on SATs, that have gone on to be very successful,” Dr. MacNamara said. “However, it is the measure by which we are judged. So we want kids to do their best, we want to prepare our kids to do well. But we always want to keep in mind that it is one measure, and each year measures a different group of students.”
While scoring high on the SATs is one factor that helps students with their college success, AP classes are another that offers a challenging but valuable experience to prepare students for rigorous college classes.
Last school year, Lincoln’s AP students endured overwhelming workloads and a painful amount of reading from textbooks that were way too heavy, but they managed to finish impeccably strong. 97% of Lincoln AP students earned a three or higher on their AP exams – an all time high for the school. Exams are scored by College Board from 1 to 5, but a student must earn at least a three to receive college credit for the course.
“We have a culture of high achievement at Lincoln High, and kids go into AP courses here knowing they’re going to do well, knowing that teachers are going to prepare them well,” Dr. McNamara said.
Every student in Lincoln’s AP Calc BC class impressively earned a 5 on their exam, illustrating the remarkable dedication that Lincoln students and teachers have to ensuring success.
This success is even more impressive considering that LHS also experienced a significant jump in enrollment regarding AP classes, with participation growing 51 percent over the last 2 years. Rhule believes that COVID had previously discouraged students from taking on difficult courses, but last year’s significant total of 202 students who took at least one AP exam revealed a powerful comeback.
“Students are starting to get out of the COVID funk and challenging themselves, recognizing that taking the AP courses sets them up for success in college,” Rhule said.
Dr. MacNamara believes that AP classes are rewarding experiences regardless of how students perform on the exam.
“Even if you don’t hit a three, just being enrolled in an AP course is a good thing for your college success,” Dr. MacNamara said.
There are high hopes for this year’s junior class as well as AP students, and it’s clear that LHS teachers and staff are more than willing to work together in helping their students reach great success.
“My goal is always the same: 5’s for AP’s, and 800 for SAT math,” Rhule said. “We start there, and do our best to help the students reach it. Whatever it takes.”
