How Have SMCS Students Performed on Standardized Tests?
At SMCS, we use the Stanford Achievement Test as a measure of academic progress in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Using a national achievement test allows us to measure our students’ progress against students from all states in both public and private schools. Furthermore, we do not “teach to the test.” We want the test results to reflect the quality of our regular curriculum and instruction. Generally, SMCS students perform in the above average range, well above the national average. In grade equivalents (the grade in which the average student would have to be to do as well as our students) our 3rd graders usually average 2-3 years ahead. By 4th grade, they usually average 3-5 years ahead and by 5th grade, they usually average 4-7 years ahead, with many testing post-high school. You will note that SMCS students exceed the national average by a greater and greater margin with each year of education. That data supports our belief that the strong foundation they receive in reading, writin
