School District Reports 10% AP Scholars Among Graduating Class of 2025

The Southeast Polk Community School District is celebrating a significant achievement in Advanced Placement (AP) education, as the district reported that over 10% of its graduating class of 2025 earned AP Scholar status. This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of both students and educators, with 54 out of 538 graduates recognized for their accomplishments in AP exams.

During the recent board meeting held on August 22, 2025, it was highlighted that 31% of the graduating class participated in AP exams throughout their high school years, achieving an impressive overall passing rate of 87.2%. This success is attributed to a growing interest in AP courses, with enrollment for the upcoming school year reaching 628 students—the highest number since the 2014-2015 academic year. Notably, a surge in ninth-grade enrollment has significantly contributed to this increase, with 126 students set to take Human Geography.

The meeting also addressed logistical improvements in administering AP exams. The transition to online testing using Chromebooks has streamlined the process, although challenges such as ensuring devices are charged remain. The district aims to reduce the number of testing sites used in the future, which will help simplify coordination and enhance the testing experience for students.

In addition to AP achievements, the board discussed current enrollment figures, noting a slight increase of 37 students compared to the previous week. While overall class sizes remain favorable, there are concerns about declining numbers in junior high and twelfth-grade levels.

As the district prepares for the new school year, the focus remains on maintaining high educational standards and supporting student success. The board expressed gratitude for the community's support in fostering a robust AP program, which continues to provide students with valuable opportunities for academic advancement.