Berlin HS Honored For Its AP Program

Berlin High School

BERLIN, CT — Berlin High School has been recognized for student success in the Advanced Placement program while broadening access to it and, possibly, early college credit.

College Board announced recently that BHS was named to the 2024 Advanced Placement Program School Honor Roll, earning a "Silver" distinction.

College Board’s Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both – while still in high school.

Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria reflecting a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.

Berlin High School was further recognized with the AP Access Award, which honors schools that encourage more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses.

"Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time," wrote BHS in a release last week.
"And even for those who don’t earn college credit, advanced coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture."

Berlin High School offers 16 AP courses, with 38 percent of seniors taking at least one AP Exam during high school.

Berlin High officials were excited about the designation.

“Berlin High School strives to provide AP course opportunities to students through robust course offerings and strategic support structures to ensure access for all students,” said BHS Principal Katie Armenta in a statement.

“AP gives students an opportunity to engage with college-level work, to earn college credit and placement, and to potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program.

“The schools that have earned this distinction are proof that it is possible to expand access to these college-level courses and still drive strong performance – they represent the best of AP.