6 city students get perfect ACT score

Andy Hall:

They began by seeking balance, and wound up finding perfection.

An unprecedented six Madison School District students attained a perfect score on recent ACT college entrance exams, district officials said Friday.

Just 11 Wisconsin students received a score of 36, the top possible mark, out of 45,500 tested in April and June.

During that period, 178 of 837,000 students nationwide received a perfect composite score in the assessment of English, mathematics, reading and science skills.

"I want to start by saying, 'Wow!' " Pam Nash, the assistant superintendent overseeing Madison's middle and high schools, told the students, their parents and educators Friday at a celebration at West High School.

More on the ACT scores here and here.

The Badger Herald has more:

Though Nash argued the quality of Madison’s public high schools contributed to the scores, she added natural talent, intelligence and hard work from the six students was also crucial to their success.

“Reading is important, and Madison emphasizes that,” Nash said. “But the kids themselves ... chose the academic route.”

But Poppe, a Madison West senior surprised with the outcome of the test, attributes his perfect score to a healthy breakfast and a little practice.

“I did one of the practice tests and made sure to get a good breakfast,” he said. “I think a lot of the classes I took earlier in high school helped, but I think some people are more comfortable in a testing environment.”

Posted by Jim Zellmer at September 23, 2006 6:26 AM
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