Tennessee Department of Education reports improvement among all student groups on the ACT

New data from the Tennessee Department of Education indicates that the state average composite ACT score increased from 19 in 2023 to 19.3 in 2024, among other notable findings.

According to statewide ACT results released Tuesday, more than one third (37.7 percent) of the 2024 graduating cohort met the ACT benchmark, scoring at least a 21 on the ACT. In addition, the percentage of Black, Hispanic, and Native American students who met or exceeded the benchmark score of 21 increased from 17.3 percent in 2023 to 19.5 percent in 2024. Economically disadvantaged students who achieved benchmark scores also increased from 15.8 to 17.7 percent, while students with disabilities increased from 6.7 to 8.6 percent. 

The data also indicated a 99 percent participation rate for the 2024 graduating class. According to the data, 78 districts (61 percent) had a rate of 99 percent or higher in 2024 compared to 75 districts in 2023. Nearly 130 districts (98 percent) met the 95 percent ACT participation rate in 2024 compared to 129 districts (99 percent) in 2023.   

“Tennessee strives to support every student in their college and career aspirations, including preparing them for the ACT assessment that can open up additional postsecondary scholarships and opportunities,” Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds said in a news release.  “We commend districts and schools for their collective effort in improving the average composite score across the state.”

The department also highlighted several districts for their achievements on the 2024 ACT, such as Williamson County Schools, which had the highest percentage of all students meeting the ACT benchmark (78.7 percent), followed by Germantown Municipal Schools (71.8 percent) and Maryville City Schools (67.3 percent). 

For more information on the 2023-24 cohort’s ACT results, visit the department’s Data Downloads webpage.