St. Aloysius Students Outperform State, National Averages on ACT

VICKSBURG, Miss. — St. Aloysius High School students continue to outperform state and national averages on the ACT, according to recently released test results.

The St. Aloysius Class of 2025 achieved an average composite score of 21.7, well above the Mississippi state average of 17.4. The Class of 2024 posted even higher results, earning an average composite score of 24.6, surpassing the state average of 17.5 and the national average of 19.

When factoring in ACT superscores, which combine students’ best section scores from multiple test attempts, the St. Aloysius Class of 2024 earned a superscore average of 25.3. In comparison, Mississippi’s superscore average was 18.7, while the national average was 19.9.

“We are extremely proud of our consistently high ACT scores and the large number of students in our 30-plus club each year,” said St. Aloysius Principal Dawn Meeks. “There’s no better way to compare the academic preparation of our students nationwide than by looking at the comparison on ACT scores with students across the nation. The numbers are clear and reinforce the fact that our academic program is top-notch, leading to a high percentage of scholarships for our graduating seniors.”

To support students’ success on the ACT, St. Aloysius offers a semester-long test prep course for 10th graders. The course is divided into two nine-week periods, with one focusing on English and reading, and the other on science and math.

“The teachers who teach it have attended professional development on teaching methods for being successful on standardized tests,” Meeks said. “Reading strategies and development of personal test-taking skills are hallmarks of the class.”

Additionally, St. Aloysius administers a pre-ACT assessment to 8th-grade students to gauge their readiness for ACT-style tests. Core classes at the school also incorporate ACT-style test questions to strengthen students’ critical thinking and test-taking skills.