MANCHESTER -ESSEX – According to Superintendent Pam Beaudoin, Manchester Essex Regional High School has been honored by the College Board for outstanding achievement on and commitment to Advanced Placement testing.
The College Board awarded MERHS bronze recognition in its 2023 AP School Honor Roll. Schools are honored for increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness, ensuring consistent student outcomes.
Placement on the Honor Roll requires a school to meet three criteria:
- 40 percent or more of the graduating cohort took at least 1 AP Exam during high school.
- 25 percent or more of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam during high school.
- 2 percent or more of the graduating cohort took 5 or more AP Exams during high school with at least one of those tests taken in Grades 9 or 10.
MERHS students completed 355 AP exams in 2023, with scores of 3+ achieved in 86 percent of the tests taken. Seventy-nine results were the top score of 5.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our educators,” Director of Curriculum and Instruction Heather Leonard said. “This recognition is a celebration of the entire educational pathway our students experience in Grades K-12. Congratulations to our diligent students and committed educators!”
MERHS also was honored with the AP Access Award, which reflects the District’s clear commitment to low-income students and underrepresented minorities.
“To receive a bronze award for scores alongside an access award means that opening access to all learners has not compromised the caliber of instruction,” Principal Julie Sgroi said. “Rather, we have made the high expectations established in an AP class accessible for all learners. I am very proud of our teachers for continuing to challenge our students to achieve success.”
Last year only 26 Massachusetts high schools received an AP Access Award.
“We are in the business of educating and preparing our students for their post-secondary life, which often includes attending a four-year college right after high school,” School Counseling Director Beverly Low said. “Our AP teachers are talented, delivering college-level content at a college-level pace. Students pursuing one or more AP courses choose to challenge themselves academically, a characteristic that will serve them well throughout their lives.”
