DVIDS – News – All DoDEA Europe High Schools Reach Advanced Placement Honor Roll

SEMBACH, Germany – DoDEA Europe Region is proud to announce that 19 of its high schools have achieved Platinum status and two have achieved Gold status on the prestigious Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. The fact that each high school was recognized underscores the region's commitment to expanding access to college-level courses and promoting equity in education.

“Equality and access to challenging instruction for every student are at the heart of our regional goals,” said Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, European Director of Student Excellence. “Our AP programs are a critical component in helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in college, career and beyond.”

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that deliver exceptional results in their AP programs while ensuring increased access for students. This annual recognition is based on key criteria that reflect each school's commitment to fostering a college culture, providing students with opportunities to earn course credit, and maximizing college readiness.

To receive Platinum status, the highest honor, schools must meet the following criteria for their class of 2024:
• 80% or more of students have taken at least one AP course before graduating.
• At least 50% of students have earned potential course credit by achieving an AP exam score of 3 or higher.
• 15% or more of students have taken a total of five AP courses during their high school years, including at least one in 9th or 10th grade.

Recent studies highlight the importance of early exposure to college-level courses to increase college readiness and increase the likelihood that students will pursue higher education. Students who take rigorous AP courses are more likely to stay in college and graduate on time, according to a study. Tami Elder, the Europe Instructional Systems Specialists for AP, worked with secondary advisors to get a more comprehensive view of college readiness. “Across the region, we have expanded our understanding of what college and career readiness really means,” Elder said. “It’s about creating equity and access to academic quality – and fostering resilience, adaptability and critical thinking to ensure every student is prepared to excel and succeed in an ever-evolving world.”

Across 10 schools, every Class of 2024 graduate took at least one AP course during their high school career, an exceptional achievement by providing all students with access to college-level courses.

The College Board's AP program allows students to compete in college-level studies while still in high school. AP students learn to think critically, form reasoned arguments, and value diverse perspectives—skills that will serve them well in college and in their future careers. Leah Zamor, principal of Baumholder Middle High, a school that achieved Platinum status for the first time, stated, “We are committed to fostering a collegiate culture by leveraging AP potential data, providing inclusive AP course offerings and provide resources that empower all students to reach their full potential. These efforts support students, increase their confidence, and promote their self-awareness about their potential to excel in a college environment – ​​the essence of what it means to be college and career ready.” Dr. Heather Ramaglia, Community Superintendent for Europe East and former principal at Wiesbaden High School, commented on the school's achievement of Platinum status after reaching the Gold level in 2023: “The success of achieving the AP School Honor Roll Platinum- Achievement at this level is due to the strong culture and climate as well as the commitment of those who stand out. I am continually impressed by the commitment, innovation and risk-taking of these educators, who enable more meaningful and authentic learning experiences.”

This achievement, recognized by each school, reflects the European Region's ongoing commitment to equity and access for all students, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and prepare for life after high school .