Recognizing academic achievement early can make a lasting impact on students’ confidence and future success. Helping students shine is the goal of the PreACT Rising Stars program, which is now celebrating its second year of honoring outstanding middle and early high school students across the country.
This school year, nearly 150,000 students in grades 7–9 earned national recognition through the program based on their performance on the PreACT 8/9 assessment.
The PreACT Rising Stars program highlights students who score in the top half of all U.S. students who take the PreACT 8/9 assessment. Designed as an early indicator of college and career readiness, the PreACT 8/9 gives students a preview of the ACT testing experience while providing educators with valuable insights into academic strengths and future opportunities.
Norfolk Public Schools, in Norfolk, Nebraska, recognized a total of 170 students so far this year. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performance on PreACT and for being recognized through the Rising Stars program,” said Jason Settles, principal, Norfolk High. “PreACT is an important practice tool that can help our students prepare for future standardized testing, helping our students to build confidence and develop essential test-taking skills.”
The PreACT Rising Stars program honors students across three award categories:
Distinguished Scholars Award– Recognizes students scoring in the 97th percentile and higher nationally.
Rising Scholars Award – Honors students scoring between the 90th and 96th percentiles nationally.
Early Scholars Award – Celebrates students scoring between the 50th and 89th percentiles nationally.
So far this academic year, 148,893 students from 2,204 schools have earned recognition through the program.
Students receiving the Distinguished Scholars Award and Rising Scholars Award receive both a certificate and commemorative lapel pin, while Early Scholars Award recipients receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishment.
Mokena Junior High School, in Mokena, Illinois, has recognized a total of 144 students so far this year. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Mokena School District 159, Dr. Kristin Johnson, shared, “We are thrilled to see over 80% of our eighth graders receive this award. It speaks volumes to the work of our teachers, staff, parents, and Board of Education in ensuring our students have a strong foundation to build from to reach their future goals and aspirations. We are very proud of each of our award winners and look forward to seeing their continued successes as they move into high school.”
Beyond celebrating achievement, the PreACT Rising Stars program also serves as a valuable tool for educators and school leaders. Results from the PreACT 8/9 help schools evaluate curriculum effectiveness, tailor learning strategies, and identify opportunities to better support student growth.
“Early insights into college and career readiness are essential for helping students stay on track and feel supported in their goals,” said Catherine Hofmann, senior vice president of government and public relations at ACT. “The PreACT and PreACT Rising Stars program gives educators and families a meaningful way to understand students’ strengths, celebrate their achievements, and guide them toward informed decisions about their futures.”
For students and families, the assessment offers an encouraging reminder that college and career pathways are within reach — helping students begin thinking about future possibilities earlier in their academic journeys.
Visit the PreACT Rising Stars website to view the interactive dashboard and discover how your school can give students the recognition they deserve while supporting academic motivation, evaluating curriculum effectiveness, and helping them prepare for the ACT, college, and careers.