Plymouth Whitemarsh High School earns silver AP School Honor Roll, AP Access awards
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School earns silver AP School Honor Roll, AP Access awards
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll, earning the silver distinction, and has also received the AP Access Award.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. 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. A school’s designation is determined based on data such as the number of students who took a course and an exam and their exam scores. AP exams are administered in the spring.
In 2024, 408 Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students took an AP course and took a total of 606 exams. Approximately 91 percent of PW students who took an AP course received a three or higher on at least one exam.
“We are excited that we have earned a spot on the AP School Honor Roll for the second consecutive year, and we are proud to have advanced from bronze to silver status,” said Dr. Jason Bacani, high school principal. “Plymouth Whitemarsh recognizes the value of AP coursework since it prepares students for post-secondary education and offers students a way to make college more affordable. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our teachers and the counseling department, who work tirelessly to guide and support students in taking on these challenging courses. We want as many students as possible to take advantage of the rigorous classes we offer so that they leave here prepared for college-level work and with some credits already on their college transcripts.”
Students who attain scores of three or higher on their AP exams are often able to receive credit for classes at universities and colleges, which can put them on a faster track to college graduation. Plymouth Whitemarsh currently offers 36 Advanced Placement (and Pre-AP) classes in a variety of subjects.
The high school has also received the AP Access Award for the first time. This designation is given to schools on the Honor Roll that increase the number of underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged students taking AP exams. To qualify, the percentage of underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged students taking an exam must be near or greater than the percentages for these populations in the school’s graduating class.
Dr. Bacani said the designation is proof that efforts to identify students who have “AP Potential” have been successful. Over the past few years, principals, teachers, and counselors have utilized multiple data sources to identify students who are most likely to succeed in AP courses. Students and their families are notified about their potential and are encouraged to work with counselors and teachers to enroll in AP courses.
While some identified students already have intentions of enrolling, Dr. Bacani said they have found that other students have not considered it at all. Once the students learn they have potential to succeed, they decide to add AP classes to their schedules.
“As a staff, we've been working on this for more than three years, and it's rewarding to see the positive results,” said Dr. Bacani.