SEMBACH, Germany – The European Region DoDEA is proud to announce that 19 of its high schools have earned platinum status and two have achieved gold status on the prestigious Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. The fact that each high school was recognized underlines the region’s commitment to widening access to college-level courses and promoting equity in education.

“Equity and access to a rigorous education for every student are at the heart of our regional goals,” said Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney Europe Director for Student Excellence. “Our AP programs are a critical part of helping students develop the skills and confidence to succeed in college, in their careers and beyond.”

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that achieve exceptional results in their AP programs while ensuring greater access for students. This annual recognition is based on key criteria and reflects each school’s commitment to fostering a college culture, providing students with opportunities to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

To achieve platinum status, the highest honor, schools must meet the following criteria for their class of 2024:

• 80% or more of students took at least one AP course before graduating.

• 50% or more of students potentially earned college credit by earning an AP exam score of 3 or higher.

• 15% or more of students took a total of five AP courses during their high school years, with at least one taken in 9th or 10th grade.

Recent studies emphasize the importance of early exposure to college-level courses to increase college readiness and increase the likelihood that students will pursue higher education. According to one study, students who take rigorous AP courses are more likely to persist in their studies and graduate on time. Tami Elder, the Europe Instructional Systems Specialists for AP, worked with secondary advisors to embrace a broader view of College Readiness. “Across the region, we have expanded our vision of what college and career readiness really means,” Elder said. “It’s about providing equity and access to academic rigor – and cultivating resilience, adaptability and critical thinking, to ensure every student is prepared to excel and thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

At ten schools, every graduate in the Class of 2024 took at least one AP class during their high school career, marking an extraordinary achievement in giving all students access to college-level courses.

The College Board’s AP program allows students to challenge themselves with college-level studies while still in high school. AP students learn to think critically, construct good arguments, and appreciate different perspectives – skills that will serve them well in college and in their future careers. Leah Zamor, principal of Baumholder Middle High, a school that received Platinum status for the first time, stated, “We are committed to fostering a college culture through the use of AP Potential data, offering inclusive AP course offerings and providing resources that empower all students to reach their full potential. This effort supports students, increases their self-confidence and supports their self-awareness of their potential to excel in a collegiate environment – ​​the essence of what it means to be college and career ready.” Dr. Heather Ramaglia, Superintendent of the Europe East Community and former principal of Wiesbaden High School, reflected on the school’s achievement of Platinum status after reaching the Gold level in 2023: “The success of achieving the AP School Honor Roll Platinum level is attributed to the strong culture and climate, as well as the dedication of WHS’s outstanding staff. I am continually in awe of these educators’ dedication, innovation, and risk-taking to support more meaningful and authentic learning experiences.

This achievement, recognized by each school, reflects the European Region’s ongoing commitment to equality and access for all students, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve academic success and prepare for life after school. secondary school.