Press Release

Submission Date: February 7, 2012

Release Date:  For Immediate Release

(Release # 0050-2-12) 

Seven High Schools in Henry County Schools Receive

Recognition for AP Program

HENRY COUNTY, GA – State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge has recognized seven of Henry County Schools’ nine high schools for achievements in their Advanced Placement (AP) programs and test results.  These schools are part of 367 high schools recognized statewide.

The Georgia Department of Education recognizes schools in five categories based off of certain criteria set forth through AP course offerings, students taking certain classes and tests, and results from the tests.  The categories are as follows: Merit Schools, Challenge Schools, Access and Support Schools, STEM Schools, and STEM Achievement Schools.

Dr. Aaron Randall, Instructional Coordinator for Social Studies, World Languages, and Gifted Education for Henry County Schools, leads the AP program in the school district.  He said, “It is exciting to see that schools have embraced the Advanced Placement program in this manner.”

“The fact that so many schools from our district are recognized in so many categories shows the schools’ commitment to providing students with a high level, rigorous, and engaging curriculum with effective access and support.”

An AP Merit School is recognized as a school where 20% of its students are taking AP classes and exams, and 50% of those taking the exams score a 3 or better.  Tests are given a grade of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.  Union Grove High School was recognized as an AP Merit School.  The school was 1 of 44 high schools in the state to receive this distinction.

If a school has 30% of its AP exams taken by students identifying themselves as either African-American and/or Hispanic and 30% of these students earned a 3 or higher on their exam, a school receives recognition as an AP Access and Support School.  Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, Luella, and Woodland high schools make up nearly 10% of the list of those recognized around the state. 

Luella High School Principal Jerry Smith noted his school’s repeat recognition as an AP Access and Support School and shared his excitement for being named an AP STEM School as well.

“Simply, it has been the hard work and dedication of our students, with the support from their parents; teachers and administrators that allowed Luella High School to be recognized by Superintendent Barge for academic success in the Advanced Placement program,” said Principal Smith.  This is a very proud day in the Lion’s Den.”

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Seven high schools received recognition as AP STEM Schools.  Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, Henry County, Luella, Ola, Union Grove, and Woodland high school all had students testing in at least two (2) AP math courses and two (2) AP science courses.  The various courses that qualify for either math or science are AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics B, AP Physics C, and AP Computer Science.

Henry County High School Principal Scott John shared his thoughts on his school’s successes.

“We are proud of the students who accept and succeed in taking on the challenges of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses,” said Principal John.  We are dedicated to preparing our students to be successful at the next level of their academic careers.  We also want to recognize our teachers for their commitment to the students and upholding the rigorous College Board standards.” 

Five of the above mentioned AP STEM Schools for the district were also recognized as AP STEM Achievement Schools.  Using the same criteria, Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, Ola, Union Grove, and Woodland high schools met the added requirement that 40% of the same students taking at least two math and two science AP classes score a 3 or higher on the exams. 

At Dutchtown High School, Principal Dwala Nobles praised the efforts of the staff and faculty at the school for giving their students a better chance at success in academics beyond high school.

“We are always proud to receive AP recognition from our state officials,” said Principal Nobles. Our teachers, counselors, and administrators encourage students to embrace rigorous coursework so that they are better prepared for post-secondary success.”

“Our school appreciates the College Board’s efforts to ensure that all schools understand that Advanced Placement courses provide students with meaningful, challenging coursework and critical discourse at the high school level.”

The State Board of Education has designated Wednesday, February 8, 2012, as AP Day in Georgia.  The special day coincides with the release of the 2011 AP Report to the Nation by the College Board.

More information on Advanced Placement curriculum in Henry County Schools can be found at www.henry.k12.ga.us.

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