Crofton High School made Anne Arundel County Public Schools history and nine other schools joined the Cardinals by earning recognitions on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, a national distinction that celebrates schools for expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework while supporting student success.
Crofton is the first AACPS school to earn the AP Platinum designation, the highest level of recognition on the AP School Honor Roll. Only about 8 percent of schools nationwide earned the distinction this year. The recognition highlights an extraordinary commitment to expanding AP access, ensuring student support, and delivering exceptional outcomes for students.
“This award reflects the dedication our staff brings to creating access for every student,” Crofton High School Principal Greg Ryan said. “We believe that when students are given high level academic opportunities and rigorous coursework, they will rise to the challenge – and their success proves it.”
Three county schools – Chesapeake Science Point, Severna Park High School, and South River High School – earned AP Gold recognition while Arundel and South River high schools earned AP Silver recognition. Annapolis, Chesapeake, North County, and Southern high schools earned AP Bronze recognition.
To receive an AP Honor Roll designation, schools must demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing student participation in AP courses, particularly among students traditionally underrepresented in advanced coursework, while also ensuring students are supported to earn qualifying scores on AP exams. Schools are recognized for building an AP culture that promotes college readiness, academic rigor, and equitable access to opportunity.
AACPS has seen a significant increase in both the number and diversity of students enrolled in AP classes in recent years. From 2021-22 to 2024-25, enrollment increased nearly 45 percent. The increases for African American and Hispanic student enrollment, however, have far surpassed that, rising by 99.5 and 80.9 percent respectively.
“Our students will never excel if they are not both given the opportunity and supported in their efforts to do so,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell said. “These recognitions are proof of the intentional work that has gone on throughout our district to eradicate the gatekeeping mentality by supporting open access to AP classes to all students and assisting with funding for AP exams.”
