Saint Mary’s School Earns Platinum Distinction on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll

Saint Mary’s School has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and achievements, earning Platinum recognition on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll from the College Board. This is the highest honor awarded through the program, and it places Saint Mary’s among a distinguished group of schools nationwide that provide outstanding access to AP opportunities and support strong student achievement.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that foster a college-going culture, expand access to rigorous coursework, and support students in earning meaningful college credit while still being in high school. Schools are evaluated in three different areas: College Culture, College Credit, and College Optimization. Saint Mary’s met every criterion at the Platinum level. 

To earn Platinum distinction for college culture, schools must ensure that at least 80% of students take one AP course before they graduate. Saint Mary’s passed that number, with 96% of the Class of 2024 completing at least one AP class. This reflects Saint Mary’s academic environment, and environment that encourages students to challenge themselves and to explore college-level material. Consequently, to develop the skills that are needed for future successes.

Another major component of the Platinum award is college credit attainment. The College Board requires that at least 50% of students who earn a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam receive credit or advanced placement at many colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s surpassed in this area as well, with 82% of students earning qualifying scores. This achievement highlights the dedication of both the students and faculty, as well as the strength of Saint Mary’s AP culture.

Saint Mary’s also met the requirement that at least 15% of students take a total of 5 AP courses during their high school years, including at least one in 9th or 10th grade. Known as College Optimization, this measure acknowledges schools that help students build a rigorous academic trajectory early on. Saint Mary’s commitment to offering AP opportunities across multiple grade levels ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of college classes. 

Earning Platinum recognition affirms Saint Mary’s mission to inspire students to boldly pursue knowledge as well as leadership. By providing robust access to AP coursework and supporting high levels of academic achievement, Saint Mary’s continues to equip young women with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in college and in life. 

The College Board also provides guidance to help schools maintain and deepen their level of excellence. For the Class of 2025, Platinum-level schools aim to:

• Enable at least 80% of students to take one AP course before graduation 

• Support 50% of students in earning a qualifying score of 3 or higher 

• Offer opportunities for 15% of students to complete 5 AP courses, including one in either 9th or 10th grade 

Saint Mary’s is already implementing strategies to continue meeting and exceeding these goals as part of its ongoing commitment to rigorous academics and student success.