Fewer Than 1 in 3 Seniors Reach College-Ready Math Standards

For many American families, the high school diploma remains a standard milestone before college or work. However, new national data indicates that a large share of graduating seniors lack foundational skills in reading and mathematics. The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called the Nation’s Report Card, revealed that academic performance at the end of high school has fallen to historic lows.

In mathematics, 45 percent of 12th graders scored below the NAEP Basic level in 2024. Only 22 percent of students reached or exceeded the NAEP Proficient level. While Proficient is a national standard and not identical to state grade-level definitions, the results show a steep decline in core competency. In reading, the average score for 12th graders was the lowest ever recorded by the National Assessment Governing Board. The 2024 average stood 10 points below the 1992 level and dropped three points from 2019.

The struggle begins before students reach senior year. In 2024, 33 percent of eighth graders scored below NAEP Basic in reading. This represents the largest percentage recorded since the assessment began. Students entering high school at this level face increased demands to analyze complex texts and construct evidence-based arguments. The gap between early middle school performance and high school expectations creates a difficult transition for many learners.

College readiness metrics confirm the trend. The ACT reports that nearly 1.4 million members of the Class of 2025 took its exam. Only 30 percent met at least three of the four College Readiness Benchmarks. In specific subjects, just 29 percent of test-takers met the mathematics benchmark, while 39 percent met the reading benchmark. These figures suggest that a majority of students are not fully prepared for entry-level college coursework in key subjects.

The 2024 results indicate that the decline in student performance is no longer solely attributed to the disruptions of the pandemic. The National Assessment Governing Board noted that the 2024 reading scores for 12th graders were the lowest in the history of the assessment. The data points to a long-standing issue in how students are prepared for adult life and post-secondary education.

Dennis Richmond Jr., a journalist and educator from Yonkers, New York, described the situation as an education crisis rather than a temporary setback. He emphasized that reading and math skills are essential for understanding employment paperwork, financial agreements, and workforce training. Richmond argued that graduation should represent genuine preparation for adulthood, not just the completion of a timeline.

The next major step in the national assessment cycle is the administration of the 2026 test. Results from that assessment are expected to be released in the following year. Until then, schools and families will rely on the 2024 data to guide interventions and support for students currently in the pipeline.