Clarke Central High School was recognized by the College Board as both an Advanced Placement STEM School and an AP Access and Support School on Feb. 27. As an AP STEM School, CCHS had a minimum of five students take an AP exam in at least four STEM courses, but freshman Justin Lee thinks the school could do more. “I think the school should be more encouraging towards students to take more difficult courses, especially in areas of STEM,” Lee said. “The recognition (from the) College Board shows that the school is completely capable of providing academic support to struggling students, and I think more encouragement from faculty and creating an environment where academic achievement is celebrated would go a long way.” Photo by Daniel Cruz
CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School were both named Advanced Placement Honor Schools by the Georgia Department of Education on Feb. 27.
Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School have been named Advanced Placement Honor Schools for 2024, according to a Feb. 27 Clarke County School District press release.
According to the press release, out of seven categories that make up the AP Honor School designation, CCHS qualified for two while CSHS qualified for five. The recognition is based on the variety of exams schools offer, student achievement on those exams and the demographics of students taking AP Exams.
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our AP students and the dedicated teachers who work hard to provide an environment in which their students are able to thrive,” CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker stated in the press release.
Specifically, CCHS was recognized as an AP STEM School, meaning CCHS had a minimum of five students take an AP exam in at least four STEM courses. Additionally, CCHS was recognized as an AP Access and Support School, which means at least 30% of CCHS students taking AP exams identified as African American or Hispanic and that 30% of all AP exam-takers earned a score of 3 or higher.
A slideshow displays various Advanced Placement honors and if either Clarke Central High School or Cedar Shoals High School achieved the honors. CCHS achieved two out of the eight total honors, and looks to improve in each respective area in the future. “We need to continue to promote and offer learning opportunities for all our students. It is an advantage for them to experience various fields in high school so they can determine their passion and focus after high school,” science department teacher William Swain said. Graphic by Jesse Dantzler
“I think this is good news for a lot of students who are aspiring to be involved in STEM careers. It shows that Clarke Central is an excellent place for them, especially if they are looking for a reliable support structure and great teachers,” freshman Justin Lee, who is taking three AP classes this year, said.
In addition to receiving both of CCHS’ accolades, CSHS was also recognized as an AP Humanities School – given to schools administering a variety of AP exams in disciplines that study human society and culture – as well as an AP Humanities Achievement School and AP STEM Achievement School, which require at least 50% of students to score at least a 3 on a particular exam.
CCHS and CSHS are part of 276 schools across Georgia to be recognized in at least one of the AP Honor School categories, up from 273 the previous year. For science department teacher William Swain, who is teaching AP Physics in the 2023-24 school year, the recognition shows that CCHS can continue to do more to put students in a position to succeed.
“We need to continue to promote and offer learning opportunities for all our students,” Swain said. “It is an advantage for them to experience various fields in high school so they can determine their passion and focus after high school.”
