P.K. Yonge's Advanced Placement program earns Platinum status from College Board

The College Board has announced that P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School at the University of Florida has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Program School Honor Roll, earning AP Platinum distinction and the AP Access Award.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students and whose programs are broadening access. Schools can earn these recognitions annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“P.K. Yonge is especially proud to be recognized with this prestigious College Board honor. Receiving both the highest possible award of AP Platinum, as well as the AP Access award, are strong indicators that our school is on the rise with regard to providing both an excellent and an inclusive educational experience for all of our students,” said Brian K. Marchman, P.K. Yonge director and superintendent. “More and more of our students are enjoying success at P.K. Yonge each year and the credit goes to them, their teachers and supportive parents working in partnership.”

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Ninety-seven percent of seniors at P.K. Yonge took at least one AP exam during high school, with 54% of seniors scoring a 3 or higher, which results in college credit. Seventeen percent of seniors took five or more AP exams

“AP gives students an opportunity to engage with college-level work, to earn college credit and placement, and to potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools that have earned this distinction are proof that it is possible to expand access to these college-level courses and still drive strong performance — they represent the best of AP.”

AP Platinum distinction

To receive Platinum distinction, schools must receive a certain percentage in three categories — college culture (at least 80%), college credit (at least 50%), and college optimization (at least 15%).

P.K. Yonge received a 97% in college culture, 54% in college credit, and 17% in college optimization.

AP Access Award

P.K. Yonge is also being recognized with the AP Access Award, which honors schools that encourage more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses. The percentage of students in at least one of these categories who took at least one AP Exam before graduation is proportional to or above P.K. Yonge's student population, demonstrating a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: P.K. Yonge's Advanced Placement program earns Platinum status from College Board