A "good" score for a high school varies depending on the context, but generally, a strong GPA and high standardized test scores are indicative of academic excellence. A good high school GPA typically ranges from 3.0 to 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, with a 4.0 being the highest possible. For standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, a good score is often above the national average, which is around 1050 for the SAT and 21 for the ACT.

The reasons for these benchmarks are multifaceted. First, a high GPA reflects a student's consistent academic performance over several years, indicating a strong work ethic and understanding of the material. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are more likely to enroll in college and have higher graduation rates. Second, high standardized test scores are often required for college admissions, as they provide a standardized measure of a student's abilities. The College Board reports that a score of 1150 or higher on the SAT is considered competitive for many colleges, while a score of 24 or higher on the ACT is competitive for most.

Additionally, a good high school score can also be influenced by the rigor of the curriculum. Students who take advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, are often expected to achieve higher scores due to the challenging nature of these courses. The College Board notes that students who score a 5 on an AP exam are more likely to earn college credit and perform well in college-level courses.

In conclusion, a good high school score is typically a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 and standardized test scores above the national average. These benchmarks are based on the correlation between academic performance and college readiness, as well as the competitive nature of college admissions.