The Fountain Hills High School class of 2015 is “very well prepared for college work,” according to Principal Tom Brennan, a conclusion he came to after receiving the most recent batch of ACT results.

According to Brennan, ACT test scores recently released to the school reveal that FHHS graduates out-performed the Arizona state mean scores, as well as exceeded the benchmark for college readiness in all four subject areas of English, math, reading and science.

“I am exceedingly proud of our students and teachers,” Brennan said.

“These scores provide validation and confirmation that our kids are ready for the rigorous work they will encounter at the next level.”

In the area of English, FHHS’ average score during the most recent ACT test was 25, well above the benchmark score of 18 and the statewide average score of 18.8.

For math, Fountain Hills finished with an average score of 24.2, outpacing the benchmark score of 22 and the state average of 20.2.

For reading, the FHHS average score was 25.9, again higher than the ACT benchmark of 22 and the state average of 20.2.

Finally, in the area of science, Fountain Hills’ students finished with an average score of 25.1, which was above the benchmark of 23 and the state average of 19.9.

“The ACT is a curriculum-based measure of college readiness offered multiple times during the school year,” Brennan explained.

“Most college-bound junior and seniors take either the ACT, the SAT, or both as they prepare for the college admissions process.”

The ACT benchmark score is considered the minimum score needed within a subject area to indicate that a student has a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B grade or higher in the corresponding college course.

“The benchmark score is the target we hope our students hit,” Brennan continued.

“It is a strong indication for college readiness and, as a group, our graduates exceeded the benchmark score in every category. This confirms the job we are doing to produce grads who are college and career ready.”