Barrington High School students' SAT scores continue to improve.

In the most recent round of SAT testing, Barrington students tallied a combined score of 1,233, which was more than 20 points higher than last year's mark. 

This year, Barrington High School students averaged a 610 in evidence-based reading and writing, and a 623 in math. Last year, BHS students had an average score of 598 in reading and writing and a 614 in math.

"It is a testament to the work that's going on," said Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley. 

"It is amazing. It speaks to what we are doing as a district to prepare these students."

Mr. Hurley and Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore both credit a district-wide effort for the strong SAT scores. 

Mr. Hurley and Mr. Messore said the impressive results are a product of work that begins when students are in elementary school and continues through Hampden Meadows School, the middle school and into the high school.

"The work begins very early," said Mr. Messore. "The students come into Barrington High School and they take it (learning) to a new level."

The administrators said that the foundation of learning Barrington students establish in the earlier grades plays a role in the achievement they experience at the middle school and high school.

Mr. Messore said the SAT scores are the result of a very sound curriculum; great teachers who challenge their students each day; a student body that arrives at school ready to learn; and parents who support the teaching and learning taking place in Barrington schools.

"I also thank our community for continuing to support our district with the resources we need to provide our students with a world-class education," Mr. Messore wrote in a recent press release. 

Barrington High School's results exceed the state averages (503 in evidence-based reading and writing, and 492 in math). The local scores were also better than the national averages (531 in reading and writing, and 528 in math).

Barrington's average score in math of 623 was actually the highest-ever for the local district, while the 610 in reading and writing was just three points shy of the district's best-ever score.

Participation rate

Mr. Hurley said the district should also be proud of the participation rate of students taking the SAT test this year. 

According to information provided by the school department, 99 percent of seniors and 99 percent of juniors took the SATs this year.

The junior class participated in the SATs during the statewide SAT School Day event, where all high school juniors in the state take the exam.

Barrington High School's junior class scored an average of 593 in evidence-based reading and writing, and a 602 in math. Both scores were more than 100 points better than the state averages for all juniors who participated in the SAT School Day event.

"Many of these students were taking it (the SAT) for the first time," said Mr. Hurley. 

Mr. Hurley said there are a number of SAT preparation programs available to all students, and a few are offered here in Barrington. But, he added, the school district itself does not offer SAT prep courses as part of the curriculum.

"Some schools do have programs, but we do not," he said. 

AP results

In addition to receiving some good news about the recent round of SAT scores, Barrington school officials also learned that local high school students performed well on Advanced Placement assessments.

According to a press release from the superintendent, 354 Barrington students took at least one AP assessment, and a total of 793 AP tests were taken. Of the 793 AP tests taken, 732 (or 88 percent) yielded a score of 3 or higher.

School officials said the total enrollment in AP courses at Barrington High School is 825; some students take multiple AP courses.