U-46 sees highest number of AP Scholars

Submitted by U-46

In recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement examinations, 353 Elgin Area School District U-46 high school students have been named AP Scholars by the College Board. This is the most AP scholars U-46 has seen, as the number of U-46 high school students who take AP courses and exams continues to grow.

“We have taken a strategic and aggressive approach to expand access to our AP courses so that students can be a step ahead when they begin college,” said Superintendent José M. Torres.

“One of the benefits U-46 offers is the number of AP courses. Each of our high schools offer from a minimum of 13 AP courses to 20.”

Fourteen U-46 students received the highest distinction, AP National Scholar Award, by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more AP exams.

Eighty-five students received AP Scholar with Distinction Awards for earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. Fifty-three students earned AP Scholar with Honor Awards for receiving an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

“It’s an outstanding accomplishment that more U-46 students than ever before have been named AP Scholars and we’re focused on ensuring those numbers continue to grow,” said Mark Atkins, coordinator of Gifted, Academies, AP & World Languages.

“AP Scholar Awards help put students ahead of their peers on college applications and in the career world.”

U-46 has experienced success in its initiatives to increase students’ AP awareness, participation, and access. U-46 has hosted AP Information Nights, AP Boot Camps, and expanded its AVID program, which better prepares students for college.

In total, U-46 currently offers 23 AP courses across its five high schools. In 2009, U-46 had 969 AP test takers, while in 2013 there were 1,563 AP test takers.

“I’m always delighted to hear stories from U-46 graduates who began college with a majority of their freshman college courses already completed,” said Torres. “I’m sure parents appreciate the cost savings too.”