Virginia Beach City Public Schools is one of only 12 Virginia school divisions being recognized by the College Board with placement on the third Annual AP District Honor Roll. The division earned the honor for increasing the availability of Advanced Placement (AP) courses while also increasing the percentage of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams.

Inclusion on this year’s list is based on AP data from 2010 to 2012. During that time, the number of students taking AP courses in Virginia Beach grew by 222. In addition, VBCPS saw a 4 percent growth in the number of students taking AP exams and 1 percent annual growth in the percentage of students who scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam.

Increasing participation in advanced courses, especially for minority students, is a focus of VBCPS’ strategic plan, Compass to 2015. Currently five of the division’s 11 high schools are participating in the National Math and Science Initiative to expand access and improve student performance in AP math, science and English courses simultaneously.