-News Release-
Rome High School students raised the bar on the ACT this year, outperforming both state and national averages in every subject while boosting their composite score for the third consecutive year.
The latest ACT results show Rome High students earned an average composite score of 21.9, a full point above Georgia’s average of 20.9 and 2.7 points higher than the national average of 19.2. The school’s composite score also increased from 20.7 the previous year and 20.3 two years ago.
The results reflect the performance of 76 students during the 2025-26 school year, compared with 67 the previous year.
Students demonstrated particularly strong growth in science, where the average score climbed from 21.4 to 24.3, an increase of 2.9 points. That score also exceeded Georgia’s science average of 21.2 by 3.1 points and the national average of 19.4 by 4.9 points.
Rome High students outperformed state and national averages in the other three subjects as well. In English, students averaged 21.0, compared with Georgia’s 19.9 and the national average of 18.2. Math scores averaged 21.9, ahead of the state average of 20.5 and the national average of 19.0. In reading, Rome High students averaged 22.9, topping Georgia’s 21.8 and the national average of 19.8.
Students also exceeded national averages in three additional ACT measures. Rome High averaged 23.8 in STEM, compared with the national average of 19.4, while writing scores averaged 7.5, compared with 6.2 nationally. The school’s English Language Arts average of 21.7 also exceeded the national average of 17.5.
The improvement comes as Rome High continues to provide students with opportunities to take on more challenging coursework through Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and the College and Career Academy.
Rome High recognized 133 AP Scholars in 2026, including 55 AP Scholars with Distinction and 19 AP Scholars with Honor. Students can pursue college-level studies in subjects ranging from statistics and microeconomics to human geography and art. The district has also reported growth in dual enrollment participation from 213 to 348 students over the past few years, expanding opportunities to earn college credit while attending high school.
Through the College and Career Academy, students can explore career pathways and develop technical skills while preparing for opportunities after graduation. Several CTAE pathways have earned industry certification, including healthcare, marketing, and automotive, providing students with access to programs that meet industry standards.
These academic and career-focused opportunities give students different ways to challenge themselves, strengthen their skills, and prepare for success beyond high school.
Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said the improvement across all four ACT subject areas gives the district plenty to celebrate.
“When you see our students improving in every subject on the ACT, that tells you something good is happening in our classrooms,” Dr. Holland said. “Our students are putting in the work, challenging themselves, and showing what they’re capable of doing. That’s what Moving the Needle looks like, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Rome High School Principal Dr. Christy Epps said the school’s academic programs are giving students more opportunities to explore their interests and take on challenging coursework.
“When you look at the number of students earning AP honors, the growth in dual enrollment, and the opportunities available through our College and Career Academy, you see students taking ownership of their futures,” Dr. Epps said. “They’re challenging themselves in college-level classes, exploring careers, and gaining experiences that will benefit them long after graduation. Our ACT results are another encouraging sign of the work taking place throughout Rome High School.”
The ACT measures student achievement in English, mathematics, and reading, with science also reported in the district’s results. Colleges and universities use ACT scores as one measure of college readiness during the admissions process.
The latest scores continue a three-year trend of improvement for Rome High School, with the average composite score increasing from 20.3 in 2023-24 to 21.9 in 2025-26.
The results provide another measure of the progress Rome High students are making as they prepare for college, careers, and opportunities beyond graduation.
