Marietta students lead metro Atlanta with highest SAT growth

MARIETTA, GA – Marietta City Schools (MCS) have the largest SAT gains in metro Atlanta this year, rising 20 points while Georgia’s state average declined. For the fourth consecutive year, MCS students outperformed both the state and national public-school averages.

According to the College Board, the Class of 2025 earned an average total score of 1083, a 20-point gain over last year and a 31-point increase since 2023. Students improved in both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math.

“These gains are the result of dedicated teachers, strong leadership, and the commitment of our students and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera. “With the leadership of Dr. Marvin Crumbs and his team, more Marietta students are leaving high school prepared for success.”

Key Highlights:

• Largest Growth: Marietta posted the biggest SAT score increase in Metro Atlanta this year, rising 20 points
• Three-Year Growth: Scores have climbed 31 points since 2023, with gains in both ERW and Math, which is the second-highest growth in metro Atlanta behind only the city of Decatur.
• Statewide Contrast: While Georgia’s public-school average declined from 1030 to 1029, Marietta rose from 1063 to 1083.
• Surpassing Benchmarks: Marietta students outperformed their peers in both state and national public schools.

The steady growth of the past three years underscores Marietta’s momentum — and, alongside this week’s record-high graduation rate, shows that more students are not only completing high school but also leaving prepared to succeed in college and beyond.