From staff reports
The College Board has named John Paul II Catholic School an Advanced Placement Program (AP) School Honor Roll platinum designee. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.
“Platinum is the highest recognition level a school can achieve,” JPII President John McCarthy said in a news release. “It demonstrates our students are well prepared for rigorous college level work at the top universities across this country.”
Schools earn this recognition annually by developing an AP program that reflects a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
“At JPII, we have worked diligently and with purpose to grow our AP availability,” Principal Heather Rembold said. “Our teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents should all celebrate this exciting achievement.”
This past May, 107 JPII students, representing 53% of the Grades 9 through 12 enrollment, took at least one AP exam. The total number of exams taken was 205, with 65% of the scores on these exams averaging 3 or higher out of a maximum score of 5. Thirty-five of our test-takers in May were recognized as AP Scholars (19) with Honor (9) and with Distinction (4), AP Seminar & Research Certificates (4), and AP Capstone Diplomas (3).
Research shows students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. The students who enter four-year colleges with credit from AP accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success.
And even for those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.