Lyons Township High Breaks Its AP Test-Taking Record

LA GRANGE, IL – Lyons Township High School reached a historical peak last year in the number of students who took Advanced Placement tests, officials announced this week.

Last school year, 1,530 students took the examinations, with passing scores translating to college credit. That's up from 1,473 a year earlier, 937 in 2016 and 233 in 1998.

The school's enrollment has been about 4,000 for decades.

Many students take more than one AP test in a year. Last year, 2,771 exams were taken, up from 2,213 in 2016 and 468 in 1998.

The overwhelming percentage of students get passing scores. Last year, 91 percent made the mark, up from 86 percent a year before and 87 percent in 2016. The rates were 82 percent in 1998 and 92 percent in 2006.

According to the school, families saved $3.9 million in tuition costs by passing the exams.

At this week's school board meeting, officials said more low-income students and students of color are taking AP and dual-credit courses. (A dual-credit class is college-level and gives both high school and college credit.)

Last school year, 479 low-income students and students of color in 11th and 12th grades took part in AP and dual-credit courses. That works out to 72 percent of students from those groups.

The school's goal is to reach 79 percent for all demographic groups, which would amount to an increase of about 50 students.

At the meeting, Jennifer Rowe, the school's director of equity and belonging, said Level Up lunches are held to increase participation in AP and dual-credit classes.

"Students are invited in to learn more about course options from members of our team and also to hear personal stories from other students who have made the decision to level up to dual credit or AP," Rowe said.

In many cases, students have the skills to take such courses, but have not been specifically encouraged to do so, she said.