Lake Washington School District (LWSD) seniors in the class of 2012 scored on average nine points higher on the SAT math test than students from previous years while scoring two to three points lower on the reading and writing tests.

District students continue to score well above state and national averages. Washington state and national scores were also lower in reading and writing. State scores gained an average of one point in math while the national average stayed the same.

“The focus on improving math scores in many of our schools is having an effect,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “Strong math scores will ensure that students are ready for postsecondary work.”

The total number of SAT test-takers in Lake Washington rose slightly from 1,205 in 2010 to 1,212 in 2011. That is the highest total in the last five years.

Average critical reading scores in Lake Washington fell two points, from 562 to 560. Reading scores across the state of Washington fell from 523 last year to 519 this year. Nationally, reading scores fell even more, from 497 on average to 496.

Lake Washington math scores made a significant jump after two years of staying relatively flat. Lake Washington students averaged 581 this year, compared to 572 last year and 563 in 2007. State math scores averaged 530 this year, up from 529 last year. National scores remained 514 on average.

Lake Washington writing scores fell for the first time since the writing test was added in 2006 from 557 on average to 554. They remain considerably higher than Washington state scores, which also fell, from 508 on average to 503. National scores declined from 489 to 488.

Lake Washington School District is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the sixth largest district in the state of Washington, with over 25,000 students in 51 schools.