The College Board’s AP School Honor Roll honors schools that excel in providing students with college credit and pre-placement opportunities.

Blanson Career Technology Education (CTE) High School and Avalos P-TECH School are proud to announce that they have been named to the College Board’s 2024 AP School Honor Roll, earning the prestigious Silver and Bronze awards, respectively.

In addition to the silver and bronze awards, Blanson CTE HS and Avalos P-TECH School earned the AP Access Award. This is the second year in a row that Blanson has received this honor. The AP Access celebrates the schools’ commitment to expanding access to AP courses for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

AP School Honor Roll

Launched in 2023, the AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools with AP programs that deliver results for students while expanding access. Schools qualify based on criteria that promote a college culture, student loan options and college readiness.

“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, advisors, administrators and parents for these achievements,” said Dr. Susan Pelezo, executive director of the AISD Advanced Academics Office. “We and our schools are committed to providing all students with the opportunity to challenge themselves academically and prepare for success in college and beyond.”

The AP School Honor Roll Offers four award levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Blanson CTE High School and Avalos P-TECH School join an elite group committed to broadening students’ academic horizons.

Qualification Criteria

Schools earn a spot on the AP School Honor Roll by meeting the following criteria for their recent graduating class (2023-2024 school year):

• • College credit: At least 25% scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.
  • Optimization of universities: At least 2% took five or more AP exams, including one in ninth or tenth grade, to balance out the AP experience in high school.

AP Access Award

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that excel in providing students with opportunities to earn college credit and placement, promoting a college culture and maximizing college readiness.

This award recognizes the school’s efforts to break down barriers and provide equal access to rigorous courses for all students, regardless of background.

Schools earn the additional distinction if the percentage of AP test takers who are underrepresented minorities and/or low-income students reflects the school’s overall student demographics. For example, suppose that 50% of a school’s student population is low-income. In that case, 50% of AP exam candidates must also have a low income for a school to receive the AP Access Award.

AP courses and college readiness

According to Pelezo, the Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to pursue college studies while still in high school. Through rigorous coursework and examinations, students develop critical thinking skills, build strong arguments, and explore multiple perspectives, preparing them for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

Students and parents interested in learning more about AP opportunities at Blanson CTE High School and Avalos P-TECH School are encouraged to contact the schools’ AP coordinators. Director Joshua Van Donsel and Director Stephen Heady respectively lead the campuses.