The Santa Monica-Malibu School District has announced that more than 400 Advanced Placement (AP) students at Malibu High and Santa Monica High schools have received AP Scholar awards, according to data recently received from the College Board.
In total, Malibu High accounted for 86 scholars, with Santa Monica High scholars totaling 315.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with all of our AP students, and those that have achieved scholar status with the College Board,” said David Jackson, Principal of Malibu High School. “With an average exam score of 3.95, our scholars demonstrate that hard work and dedication truly pay off as these achievements will no doubt support their success in college and beyond.”
Exam scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 representing the highest score possible.
Award levels for AP exams are separated into six categories based upon scores and amount of exams taken. AP Scholar awards are granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
AP Scholar with Honor are students who receive an average of 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
AP Scholar with Distinction awards are granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
State AP Scholars awards are granted to one male and one female in each state with scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of exams, and with the highest average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams.
National AP Scholars awards are granted to students in the country who receive an average of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores a 4 or higher on eight or more exams.
“We are extremely proud of the success of each of our AP students. Along with our students scoring an average of 3.85 on all their exams, we are honored to have a student be awarded an AP International Diploma last year,” said Santa Monica High School Principal Eva Mayoral. “Congratulations to each scholar and graduate, and we look forward to another year of stellar accomplishments.”
AP International Diplomas are awarded to students who score a 3 or higher on five or more AP exams, with two AP exams from two different world language and culture courses, one AP exam offering a global perspective (i.e. world history, comparative government and politics, environmental science, etc.), one AP exam from the sciences, math or computer science, and one additional AP exam that is not English or world language (i.e. art history, music theory, European history, etc).
AP Scholar awards were given to 118 Santa Monica High students; 80 students received AP Scholar with Honor awards; 117 students received AP Scholar with Distinction awards; and there were 14 students who received National AP Scholar status. One student received an AP International Diploma.
Santa Monica High offers over 20 different AP courses, including among others, English Language composition, English literature, courses at every level of Social Studies, calculus AB and BC, statistics, psychology, four different sciences, and four different languages.
Malibu High boasts 31 AP Scholars, 16 AP Scholars with Honor, 39 AP Scholar with Distinction and nine National AP Scholars. Malibu High offered a total of 15 different AP exams last year, including studio art, English language composition and English literature, European history and US history, calculus AB and BC, biology, environmental science and French, among others.
“Our District works hard to ensure our high school students have access to a variety of AP and honors courses as we believe they are capable of excelling in challenging classes,” said Superintendent Sandra Lyon. “We applaud each AP scholar and sincerely thank our teachers and staff members who contributed to such an outstanding year of success.”
Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education.
Each year, the College Board helps more than 7 million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the AP Program.
The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
