Congratulations Port Jefferson School District

PORT JEFFERSON, NEW YORK (NOVEMBER 2024)—Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Gold Honor with Access distinction by the College Board as part of the 2024 AP® School Honor Roll. This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to providing equitable access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses and fostering college readiness among all students.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes high schools nationwide for increasing access to AP courses while achieving strong academic outcomes. Earl L. Vandermeulen High School is one of 5,061 schools across the country to be recognized in the 2024 AP School Honor Roll, which includes only 32 percent of eligible schools. Additionally, the school received the AP Access Award, a subset of this recognition, awarded to just 1,962 schools for their successful strategies in providing AP opportunities to underrepresented student populations.

This remarkable achievement underscores Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s commitment to academic excellence and educational equity. By expanding access to rigorous coursework like AP, the school prepares students for college success and empowers them to earn college credit while still in high school.

"We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the College Board," said Principal John Ruggero. "This honor reflects the hard work of our dedicated teachers, the perseverance of our students, and the unwavering support of our school community. Our goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the high-level coursework that will help them succeed in their academic and professional futures."

The AP School Honor Roll is based on a set of criteria that includes broadening participation in AP courses, increasing the number of students earning college credit, and fostering a culture of college readiness. By prioritizing access to these advanced programs, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School continues to provide students with valuable opportunities that prepare them for future success in higher education and beyond.

In addition to this significant recognition, the school’s AP programs have also contributed to a notable increase in college admissions and success rates among graduates, ensuring that students leave high school with a strong academic foundation that supports their next steps in life.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.