Beaufort Academy’s SAT scores rose for the fifth consecutive year, exceeding the national average by 284 points, while 11 students earned AP Scholar Awards on Advanced Placement tests last spring.
Despite the national trend of dipping SAT scores, Beaufort Academy students once again raised their scores. All BA students take the nationally-administered Scholastic Assessment Test by the College Board, and scored a cumulative 1,784 on the three parts of the exam last spring. By comparison, the state score was 1,436 and the national score is 1,500.
According to the College Board, 43% of 2011 College-Bound seniors met the SAT college and career readiness benchmark score of 1550.  Of BA graduates, 94% met or exceeded the benchmark score.  The SAT Benchmark score of 1550 (Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing score combined) indicates a 65% likelihood of achieving a B- average or higher during the first year of college, which in turn is indicative of a high likelihood of college success and completion.
In addition to a high average, senior Chris Huckabee scored a perfect 800 on the math portion of the exam.
“Every year we are very proud of the SAT results of our students,” said Interim Head of School, Julie Corner.  “This is accomplished by focusing on our core values of integrity, intellect, leadership, pride and respect and by providing a rigorous academic program. For almost fifty years we have stayed true to this mission that is to help all students reach their highest potential and move on to the college of their choice.”
Beaufort Academy students have also earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams.  Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least
3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.  These students are Pete Olsson and Lily Westergaard.
Four students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.  These students are Michael Bible, Nathan Cheung, Katherine Neal, and Eric Nguyen.
Five students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher.  These students are Jaymie Baggerly, Matthew Bass, Patrick Ferri, Madeline Griffith and Bianca Sanchez.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides motivated and academically prepared students the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performances on the AP Exams.