Barnegat High School Sees AP Testing Growth, Higher Pass Rate

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat High School has seen a sharp rise over three years in both Advanced Placement participation and AP exam success, according to the Barnegat Township School District.

The district said the number of exams given increased from 146 in 2022 to 280 in 2025. Over that same period, the number of exams passed rose from 82 to 188, and the pass rate increased from 56 percent to 67 percent.

Superintendent Brian Latwis said the increase reflects changes in instruction and student preparation across the district.

“These positive developments are part of a larger trend in rising student achievement throughout the district,” said Latwis. “Students are entering Barnegat High School with stronger academic skills and better overall academic preparedness. This translates to wider opportunities for them to participate in high-level coursework, such as honors and AP.”

Latwis said the district invests in professional development by sending teachers to conferences including the AP Summer Institute and by offering them time to serve as AP exam readers.

The district also takes part in the annual AP Colloquium, which brings together AP teachers from Monmouth and Ocean counties to share ideas and best practices.

Latwis said changes in personnel and AP course selections have also helped reinvigorate programs and increase student interest.

Barnegat High School offers more than 20 AP classes in subjects including computer science, Spanish, history, art, math and English.

According to the district, students in AP classes complete college-level work while still in high school. The district said students who earn passing AP scores can strengthen their transcripts and may qualify for college credit.

Barbara Quick, who teaches AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC, said she is motivated by students who choose demanding coursework.

“The level of rigor in these classes, along with the commitment required for success, helps students develop strong problem-solving skills, resilience and confidence in their abilities,” said Quick. “I am incredibly proud of the work my students put forth each day. The commitment they bring to these challenging courses not only reflects their academic ambition, but also prepares them well for the expectations and demands they will encounter in college and beyond.”

AP U.S. History teacher Kevin Smith said students in his class are active participants in the material.

“Students in my AP US History class are not just memorizing facts; they must create and defend historical arguments and make connections across time periods with their own content knowledge. They leave the course with the ability to analyze the issues America is facing today ... using examples from our country's past,” said Smith.

For more information on the Barnegat Township School District, visit barnegatschools.com.