[Legacy] – Legacy Christian Academy students once again earned exceptional scores on this year’s Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10). The exam, which was administered to Legacy Kinder through eighth grade students in May, has been the benchmark of excellence in achievement testing for more than 80 years.

“When averaging each of the tested areas from Kindergarten to eighth grade, the average Legacy student was in the 92nd percentile​; the national average is the 50th percentile. This ranking indicates that the average Legacy student is in the top 8 percent when compared to other students throughout the country,” says Legacy Principal Dr. Matthew Northrop.

“We are extremely proud of our students’ achievements. These scores are a direct result of Legacy’s dedicated and effective teachers; our accelerated curriculum; parental investment and our engaging, warm learning environment,” reflects Legacy Superintendent Tim Borruel.

The Stanford 10 provides reliable data to help measure student progress toward content standards and high expectations. A nationally-utilized test, the assessment tool allows parents and teachers to best identify strengths and needs while also providing a static means of comparison to other programs locally, regionally, at the state level and country wide.

“Parents want to know that their children are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” says Borruel. “In today’s globalized society, our youth are competing on a national and international level for college admissions, scholarships and enrichment experiences. Legacy parents are able to relax more, knowing that their child is prepared to excel not just locally, but on a national stage.”

The SAT-10’s test design reflects curricula and best instructional practices. Each item is designed to measure up to four achievement parameters: content cluster, process cluster, cognitive level and instructional standard. “It’s a very thorough tool for measurement,” says Dr. Northrop. “And while the test does reflect the academic achievement of our students in reading, math and language, it doesn’t adequately summarize potential, effort or growth. That’s why it’s so essential to pair an accelerated curriculum like Legacy’s with character work, a focus on faith and a substantial quantity of individual attention. With a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio and distinctive small-group rotation practices, Legacy’s credentialed teaching staff is best able to invest in each child to ensure that they are not just excelling on paper but in real life.”

Legacy Christian Academy’s news of impressive national scores comes just a few months after the Academy was notified of its national Blue Ribbon nomination. Only 50 private schools were nominated for the prestigious award in 2015. Winners will be announced in September.