The South Fayette Township School District is excited to share that our high school has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Silver distinction.
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.
During the 2022-23 academic year, South Fayette High School offered 17 Advanced Placement courses. Nearly 58% of the graduating seniors last year took at least one AP exam during high school, 49% scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 8% took five or more AP exams during their high school career.
“While we are so pleased to receive this recognition, it is also a validation for all of the work we do within the district to transform education for our students,” said Robert Butts, high school assistant principal. “South Fayette is very future-focused and innovation-driven in all that we do, and this includes making sure that our students have every opportunity available to excel when they graduate and move on to college and beyond.”
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”
In a letter to Dr. Patricia Smith, interim high school principal, Mr. Packer added, “We know it takes a significant schoolwide effort—dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents—to make AP access a priority…. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. The students who enter four-year colleges with credit from AP accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success. And even for those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.”