Popularity Of AP Exams Is Rising In Newark, School Officials Say

NEWARK, NJ — More Newark public schools students than ever are taking advanced placement (AP) exams – and achieving scores that can lead to college credit, according to recent data from school officials.

The Newark Board of Education recently reported that 1,724 district students took AP exams in the spring. It’s a “substantial increase” of 710 from the previous year, and more than double the 639 students who took AP exams in 2021, district administrators said.

Meanwhile, 42 percent of the 2024 test-takers earned a score of three or higher on the exams’ five-point scale – significantly higher than the 29 percent who met the threshold last year and more than double the percentage of students who scored three or higher in 2021, administrators said.

A score of three or higher is a gateway to potential college credit. Many colleges recognize this threshold and award credit in the respective subject area, saving the student valuable tuition dollars.

“I am extremely proud of our students for taking on the challenge of AP courses and performing well on the exams,” Superintendent Roger León said. “This accomplishment is not only a testament to our students’ hard work and commitment to academic excellence, it is also a reflection of the incredible support from our teachers and staff who continue to encourage students to challenge themselves, and our students’ families who are behind them every step of the way.”

Board of Education President Hasani Council also gave the news a thumbs-up.

“The increasing number of students participating in AP courses, coupled with the growing percentage of students achieving success on AP exams, is a remarkable milestone for our district,” Council said.

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