More students are participating, and these participants are earning higher exam scores. That’s the good news regarding District 214 students and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, now that 2025 results are available.
District 214’s success in the AP arena is impressive in several ways. Consider these comparisons from 2024 to 2025:
The number of students taking an AP test increased by 13%, and the total number of tests taken rose 13.4%. This occurred even as District enrollment declined by 1.8%
The number of students engaged in an AP Course rose by 12%
The rate of students taking an AP course increased, from 34.1% of all students to 39.1%
AP exam pass rates increased from 79.2% to 84.5%
Why does this matter? Because AP courses allow students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. In addition to preparing high school students for the rigor of post-secondary academics, successful completion of AP classes and exams often translates into college credit, reducing college costs and the time required to earn a degree.
District 214 offers more than 33 AP courses, with students taking as many as 39 different AP exams. All AP courses have been endorsed by the College Board, a national oversight organization that ensures each AP course contains a rigorous level of study. Students take AP exams each May. Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher considered a passing grade.
In addition to the District’s overall success, AP announced that 17 Rolling Meadows High School students earned the AP Capstone Diploma based on May’s exam scores. To earn the Capstone distinction, students must score 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP courses. The program prepares students for college and career success by developing critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation and time-management skills.
“This year’s AP scores highlight and underscore incredible accomplishments,” said Dr. Bradford Hubbard, the District’s Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. “While we know our students are far more than a test score, the performance on these important assessments is the direct result of students who accept a rigorous challenge, teachers that tirelessly work to teach skills and content, and a relationship between the two that supports, cultivates, and results in this success.”