MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Advanced Placement program at Monongalia County Schools allows high school-level students to take entry-level college courses and earn college credit.
Director of Assessment, Accountability, and School Counseling, Courtney Crawford, said in 2024, 718 students took more than 1,400 tests. The program includes seven subject areas with 38 course opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school.
“There were 82 percent of the exams that received a passing score,” Crawford said. “That’s in comparison to the global passing rate of 67 percent and West Virginia’s passing rate of 59 percent.”
The program is administered by 50 teachers who teach 29 subjects, and students in six subjects had a 100 percent passing rate.
“Of the exams, about 50 percent had at least a 90 percent passing rate; 78 percent of our exams had at least a 70 percent passing rate,” Crawford said.
A total of 189 students received a perfect score, and 124 students received the “A.P. Scholar with Distinction” for earning a score of 3.5 or more on all AP exams, making Monongalia County Schools a clear top performer in advanced placement programs statewide.
“There were 273 students who earned the recognition of being an “A.P. Scholar,” which means they earned a 3 or higher on at least three AP exams, and that’s in addition to 44 students who earned that recognition with honors.”
The 50 teachers in the program get exposure to nationwide professional development not afforded to typical teachers. Teachers in the program have access to a nationwide network of fellow educators developing techniques to help students meet their potential.
“Our teachers receive extensive professional development from the College Board, which brings back a whole other level of exposure and opportunities to interact with their peers across the nation,” Crawford said.
Students participating in AP programs get a head start by building college skills while earning post-secondary credits. In addition to giving students the opportunity to graduate from college early, they are generally better prepared when they arrive.
“The exposure to that rigorous curriculum really helps build their skills and confidence and helps prepare them for their future beyond high school,” Crawford said.