CCSD Students Increase AP Success, Earn International Honors

Cherokee County School District high school students have increased their success in college-level courses, earning international honors for their schools.

CCSD students raised their overall Advanced Placement (AP) exam average score to 3.6, up from 3.4, this past spring, according to a new report from the College Board, while also increasing participation, with 6,955 exams completed, up from 6,091.  

Over the past three years, the number of CCSD students taking AP courses and exams has increased by 400.  While increasing participation with students new to this level of rigor could lead to a decrease in the passage rate, the passage rate instead has increased in CCSD.

Students who earn a 3 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) on an AP exam can qualify for college credit at most state colleges and universities -- avoiding college tuition payments for those classes.  

Eighty-two percent of CCSD’s exam scores were a 3 or higher – the highest pass rate ever for the school district, up from 78%.  The total value of the college tuition CCSD students will avoid paying due to this success, assuming each exam equals just one college course, is estimated at $6.1 million, up from $4.6 million.  

The school district’s AP program annually earns state recognition for its comprehensive course catalog and high passage rate; CCSD high schools offer 33 different AP courses.

“Passage of AP exams demonstrates our students are well prepared for rigorous courses at college and saves them and their families money on college tuition.  We’re so proud of our students’ success and the professional expertise and dedication of our teachers,” Superintendent of Schools Mary Elizabeth Davis said.  “Thank you to our School Board for investing in our AP program to provide our students with challenging advanced academics, world languages and fine arts learning opportunities.”

The College Board, which administers the international AP program, presents AP School Honor Roll awards to schools in recognition of student success and participation.

To earn the honor, 40% of a school’s graduating class must take at least one AP course (College Culture), 25% of test-takers must earn a 3 or higher on each exam (College Credit) and 2% of students must take five or more AP courses during their high school career, with at least one in ninth or 10th grade (College Optimization).

Etowah, Sequoyah and Woodstock High Schools all earned the award at the overall Silver level.  Creekview and River Ridge High Schools earned the award at the overall Bronze level.  

In individual areas, four high schools – Creekview, Etowah, Sequoyah and Woodstock – earned Platinum, the highest honor, for College Optimization and Gold for College Credit, with Cherokee HS and River Ridge HS earning Gold for Optimization.

Schools on the AP School Honor Roll also may earn the AP Access Award, which honors their commitment to providing all students access to advanced coursework, and Creekview and Etowah High Schools achieved this honor.  To earn the award, the percentage of AP exam takers from underrepresented minority and/or low-income households must mirror the school’s overall student demographics. 

The School Board received a report focused on CCSD’s AP successes at Thursday’s work session.  You can review the full report online here.

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