Edina Students Excel on Advanced Placement Exams

More than 450 Edina students have earned recognition for outstanding academic success in Advanced Placement classes.

The College Board's Advanced Placement Program gives students a chance to take college-level courses while attending high school, culminating in AP Exams. For the 452 students—roughly one-quarter of the Edina High School student body—who scored high enough on the exams to achieve AP Scholar recognition, that means college credit, advanced placement or both as a result.

"We are very proud of all our AP students, at both the high school and middle school levels," said Superintendent Ric Dressen. "Achieving AP Scholar recognition is a testament to the hard work of these students to achieve with college-level work. It also speaks volumes about the dedication of our teachers in providing this high level of instruction for all of our students."

A grand total of 1,079 Edina Public Schools students took at least on AP exam last year, with more than 87 percent of them earning a score of three or higher—on a five-point scale—according to the district. Of the 452 students who earned AP Scholar Awards in 2012, the breakdown is as follows:

• 61 students qualified for National AP Scholar honors (these students also earned AP Scholar with Distinction honors)
• 242 students qualified as AP Scholars with Distinction,
• 73 students qualified as AP Scholars with Honor
• 137 students qualified as AP Scholars

The College Board recognizes the various levels of achievement based on average test score and number of exams taken. Scholar Awards are computed throughout each student's career, with the potential of earning additional honors as they progress through high school, provided they take more exams.

As a district, Edina Public Schools has also seen an increase in the number of students participating in AP classes and taking AP Exams. 

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