Tennessee High School Average ACT Scores Remain Unchanged From 2024, Only 37% Meet Readiness Standard

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

For the fourth consecutive year, statewide participation in the ACT was 99% for the graduating class of 2025, but the metrics remained relatively unchanged from last year overall, holding at the same average composite score of 19.35 out of 36.

The Tennessee Dept. of Education (TDOE) recently released the 2024-25 ACT results and participation rate data, representing each student’s highest test score. 

TDOE highlighted that 114 districts (87.7%) had a participation rate of 99% or higher, marking a slight increase from 113 districts in 2024. 

The department also noted that while the average composite score remained at 19.3 this year, some minor growth was observed in some student groups. Economically disadvantaged students increased from 16.6 to 16.7, English learners increased from 13.6 to 14.6, and students with disabilities increased from 14.9 to 15.

Approximately 37% of the total 2025 graduating cohort met the ACT benchmark of 21. Under Tennessee’s state accountability system, a score of 21 out of 36 indicates college and career readiness. 

At a district level, TDOE reported Williamson County Schools had the highest percentage of students meeting the ACT benchmark at 79%, followed by Germantown Municipal Schools at 73.8%, and Collierville Schools at 69.4% 

Of 10 Middle Tennessee school districts aggregated for a report by The Tennessean, only one district’s average scores met the benchmark. Williamson County Schools had an average score of 25.3, with every other district falling short of the 21 score. Sumner and Wilson County Schools came close at 20.8 and 20.4 respectively, and Metro Nashville Public Schools was the lowest-scoring district with an average of 17.5, which is a slight decrease from last year’s 17.6.

Districts that demonstrated the most significant growth in the percentage of students meeting the benchmark from last year were:

• Moore County: 20.2% increase; 29.8% in 2024 to 50% in 2025.
• Jackson County: 19.3% increase; 22% in 2024 to 41.3% in 2025.
• Bledsoe County: 13.7% increase; 22.7% in 2024 to 36.4% in 2025.
• Crockett County: 13.1% increase; 24.6% in 2024 to 37.7% in 2025.
• Clay County: 12.6% increase; 23.8% in 2024 to 36.4% in 2025.

The above category was further broken down by improvements among specific demographics, such as Black or African American students, Hispanic students, economically disadvantaged students, English learners, and students with disabilities. 

The consistent 99% participation rate is relatively unsurprising given that Tennessee requires the ACT or SAT for high school graduation. All 11^th graders must take one to earn a diploma, so the state’s mandatory participation for graduation works as a healthy incentive for achieving nearly 100% participation.

Those interested in more detailed results can find the published state data sheets and records for download here.

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.