By Mark Ambrogi
For Noblesville High School Principal Jeff Bryant, the announcement that Noblesville Schools has been named to national College Board Advanced Placement Honor Roll is affirmation the high school’s mission is working.
Noblesville Schools is one of 13 districts in Indiana to be included. Carmel and Westfield school districts also were among the 13.
The honor roll recognizes schools that have increased student participation in AP coursework while improving high AP exam performance levels. The ranking is based on 2013-2015 NHS data.
“We increased the number of students who are taking AP exams, and, at the same time, increased the percentage of students who are scoring a three or higher on the exam,” Bryant said. “It means more students are successfully completing rigorous AP courses and earning college credit for their work. It’s a win for students and their families.”
NHS has exceeded the state benchmark for AP scores for more than five consecutive years. In 2015, NHS bested the benchmark by 22 percentage points. Additionally, 185 more AP exams were administered at NHS in 2015 than 2014.
“We focused our attention on using the data available to us to place the right students in the right courses,” Bryant said. “We encourage, guide, and, when necessary, actively recruit students who are capable of succeeding in an AP course.”
In 2015, there were 398 AP students and 649 exams at NHS. A total of 294 AP students had scores of three or higher for 73.9 percent. The percentage of NHS students with three or higher in 2014 was 71.3.
Bryant said NHS teachers work with their colleagues and within their network of AP teachers at other schools to improve the curriculum and instruction.
“Teachers have taken great pride in supporting each student in their pursuit of an AP score that earns them college credit,” Bryant said. “We are doing this at a higher rate than at any point in the history of NHS. We are proud to be recognized for this effort.”
