Mansfield High School Performs Well On AP Exams

Mansfield High School students appear to be thriving in AP courses.

Success in the courses, which range from English to science, history and mathematics, is measured by annual tests from the College Board that grade students on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest score. Students who achieve the highest grades may qualify for college credit or to skip an equivalent course when they enter college.

According to results from last spring’s AP exams, 86 percent of MHS students who took the tests scored a 3 or higher.

While all high schools do not offer the same array of courses, that’s the highest percentage of any area school district, including charter schools, school officials say.

“We always want to offer rigorous advanced placement courses where we have the staff to support them, and our students do very well,” Principal Mike Connolly said in a statment.

A total of 219 MHS students took some form of AP course last year, many taking multiple courses. Advanced placement offerings include English language and composition, English literature and composition, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, U.S. and European history, Spanish and French language and composition, and art history.

Teachers say the courses, which require more study than traditional lessons, challenge students and help prepare them for the more demanding world of higher education.

“It’s an opportunity for students to get a first exposure to college level work in a high school setting,” chemistry teacher Larry Ferreira said.