The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) has proudly announced the recognition of 20 of its schools as 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools, achieving honors across an impressive 50 categories. This prestigious announcement, made on March 3, 2025, by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), underlines the district's dedication to providing rigorous, high-quality learning opportunities for its students.
DCSD Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton expressed immense pride at this achievement: "This outstanding achievement underscored the hard work of our teachers, the determination of our students, and the incredible support of our families. I am extremely proud of our teamwork and congratulate all 20 AP Honor Schools for embodying the DeKalb County School District's vision of providing high-quality learning opportunities to improve student outcomes."
This year, the schools received recognition based on their AP course participation and exam performance from the previous academic year. The schools have been classified under eight distinct categories, which showcase different aspects of excellence. These categories include:
- AP Access and Support Schools: Institutions where at least 30% of AP exams are taken by students identifying as African American and/or Hispanic and where at least 30% of all AP exams earn scores of three or higher.
- AP Challenge Schools: Schools with fewer than 900 students, administering exams across English, math, science, and social studies, and with at least 25 exams total.
- AP Expansion Schools: Schools recording at least 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2023 to May 2024.
- AP Humanities Schools: Schools administering at least five exams across various humanities disciplines.
- AP Humanities Achievement Schools: Humanities schools where at least 50% of AP Humanities exams earn scores of three or higher.
- AP Schools of Distinction: Schools where at least 20% of total students take AP exams, with at least 50% of AP exams receiving scores of three or higher.
- AP STEM Schools: Schools administering at least five exams in STEM disciplines with minimum participation requirements.
- AP STEM Achievement Schools: STEM schools where at least 50% of AP STEM exams achieve scores of three or higher.
Each of these categories emphasizes different elements of student participation and achievement, highlighting the importance of broad student engagement and success, particularly within the STEM fields and humanities.
Dr. Richard Woods, the State School Superintendent, recognized the importance of these AP Honor Schools by noting, "The growing number of recognized schools and districts each year reflects Georgia's commitment to expand opportunities for every student to engage in advanced, college-level studies." This commitment contributes to elevuating academic standards across the state.
Georgia's honors program has been operational since 2008, regularly updating its categories to address various academic strengths and focuses. By offering Advanced Placement programs across multiple disciplines, DCSD is ensuring its students can explore subjects deeply, potentially earning college credit, and building the confidence necessary to excel beyond high school.
The acknowledgment of these honor schools not only serves to highlight their achievements but also incentivizes other educational institutions to aim higher and provide their students with the best possible learning environments. Through their combined efforts, teachers, administrators, and families contribute to fostering academic excellence throughout the DeKalb County School District.
With such impressive recognition, the 2025 AP Honor Schools stand as exemplars of the promising future for students within the district, illustrating the hard work and dedication involved in preparing the next generation for success.