Woodlands Academy named to 2025 college-prep honor roll

The College Board recently announced that Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart has earned a place on its AP School Platinum Honor Roll for the 2024-25 school year. This honor recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into Advanced Placement courses and support them on the path to college success. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing students with opportunities to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.

Woodlands Academy’s top-level Platinum status is based on three factors:

• 97 percent of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP exam during their four years at the all-girls college-preparatory high school in Lake Forest.

• 94 percent earned a score of at least three or higher on at least one AP exam. Research indicates that students who score a three or higher typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.

• 55 percent of Woodlands’ Class of 2025 took at least five AP exams, including at least one as a freshman or sophomore.

“I am truly honored by the College Board’s recognition of this important part of Woodlands Academy’s college-preparatory mission,” said Rocco Gargiulo, associate head of school for academics. “We actively encourage our students to take AP courses and exams to show college admissions officers that they have sought the most challenging curriculum available during their years at Woodlands. More than half of our faculty teach an AP class, and Woodlands Academy will administer 25 different subject area exams this school year.”

The College Board’s AP Program enables students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. Through AP courses, 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.

“We know it takes a significant schoolwide effort — dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students and parents — to make AP access a priority,” said Trevor Packer, College Board’s senior vice president for AP and instruction, when notifying Woodlands Academy of its AP Honor Roll inclusion. “We join you in celebrating this inspiring achievement for your community. I’m inspired by your commitment and grateful for the chance to honor your success.”

This recognition marks Woodlands Academy’s third consecutive appearance on the AP Honor Roll/Platinum level.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, day-and-boarding, college-preparatory school for young women of all faiths in ninth through 12th grade. Founded in Chicago in 1858 and located in Lake Forest since 1904, Woodlands is part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries on six continents. To learn more, visit woodlandsacademy.org.