Ten DC High Schools Earn National Spots on Advanced Placement School Honor Roll

Today, State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell announced that 10 high schools in DC have been named by the College Board to the 2025 Advanced Placement® program (AP®) School Honor Roll for welcoming students into AP classes and ensuring they succeed in the rigorous courses that provide them with the opportunity to earn college credit.

"I am incredibly proud to recognize the 10 DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools named to the AP Honor Roll. This achievement reflects the extraordinary commitment of our educators and the determination of our students -- and it underscores the Bowser Administration's sustained investments in reimagining the high school experience," said State Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. "By expanding rigorous coursework and strengthening college and career pathways, we are ensuring that every student has meaningful opportunities that prepare them for what comes next."

Board's AP program enables students across the country to pursue college-level studies-with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both-while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue-skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

Schools do not apply for the AP Honor Roll; rather it is based on their AP enrollment, the number of students who choose to take the AP exam at the conclusion of the course, and their score on the exam. AP exams are scored 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher considered passing and eligible for college credit.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening course enrollment participation. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

The Class of 2025 made history by posting the strongest Advanced Placement results the District has ever seen. More graduates took AP exams than anywhere else in the nation - with 63.1 percent of DC graduates taking at least one AP exam while in high school, well above the national average of 37 percent. DC also led the country in the growth of students scoring a 3 or higher -- 31.3 percent of DC public school graduates - making them eligible to receive college credit.

The class of 2025 AP efforts throughout their high school years resulted in Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum recognition at the following DC public and public charter high schools:

Platinum
(For those graduating in the class of 2025, 80% or more took at least one AP exam during high school; 50% or more scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school; 15% or more took five or more AP exams during high school with at least one being taken in the 9th or 10th grade)

• School Without Walls
• McKinley Technology High School
• Jackson-Reed High School
• Duke Ellington School of the Arts
• Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
• Washington Latin Public Charter Upper School
• BASIS DC Public Charter School

Gold
(For those graduating in the class of 2025, 65% or more took at least one AP exam during high school; 35% or more scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school; 10% or more took five or more AP exams during high school with at least one being taken in the 9th or 10th grade)

• EL Haynes Public Charter School

Silver
(For those graduating in the class of 2025, 50% or more took at least one AP exam during high school; 30% or more scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school; 5% or more took five or more AP exams during high school with at least one being taken in the 9th or 10th grade)

• Columbia Heights Education Campus

Bronze
(For those graduating in the class of 2025, 40% or more took at least one AP exam during high school; 25% or more scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school; 2% or more took five or more AP exams during high school with at least one being taken in the 9th or 10th grade)

• Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus

OSSE will hold the first-ever Advanced Placement recognition ceremony, "The Power of Possibility: Celebrating AP Excellence Across Schools," featuring a student panel talking about their experiences with AP courses and life after high school, a project gallery walk, and school awards on Thursday May 28 at Catholic University.

Over the past decade, the District has shown steady growth in overall participation and performance in AP programming. AP courses are now reaching nearly two-thirds of all students in the District.

"Year after year, more students are choosing to take at least one Advanced Placement course. Teachers actively promote and encourage students who may doubt their ability to apply," said Joy Clarke-Wells, principal at E.L. Haynes.

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.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) pays AP test fees for low-income students. As a result, the number of AP tests taken has steadily been increasing over the last several years. In FY25, OSSE paid for 5,507 AP test fees, which is a 22 percent increase from FY24. This work is part of OSSE's commitment to expanding pathways to college and career for DC high school students.

The XQ Institute named Washington, DC a national leader in preparing young people for life after high school. The work in Advanced Placement is yet another reminder of what DC students can achieve.

For more information about OSSE's efforts to prepare students for life after high school, visit OSSE's website.