Highland Park High School students have continued to excel in academics by setting a new ACT test score record.

The composite ACT test score for students at HPHS was 26.8 for the 2010 to 2011 year, which is the highest score the school has ever had.

"This reflects years of preparation and learning, and it will open many doors for our students in terms of being able to attend the college or university of their choice," HPHS Principal Walter Kelly said, according to a media release.

The national composite score was 21.1, and Texas yielded a record-high 20.8 composite score for the same period.

HPHS students have increased their composite ACT scores over the past five years having received a 25.2 for the 2006 to 2007 year, 26.1 for the 2007 to 2008 year, 26.1 for the 2008 to 2009 year, and a 26.2 for the 2009 to 2010 year.

The ACT is a standardized exam taken by students for college admissions that tests in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science. Test scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 36.