Principal Jason Jones presented the Pleasant Valley High School Advanced Placement results from the 2024‑25 school year at the Sept. 22 board meeting and announced seven National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

Jones said 519 students took AP exams across 28 subjects — the district’s highest participation level — and the exams produced the district’s highest average score on record, a 3.9 on the 1‑to‑5 College Board scale. "That record number of participation has also led us to our highest level of achievement that we have ever had," Jones said.

Why it matters: Expanded AP access and stronger scores can affect students' college readiness and college‑credit opportunities. Jones told the board that 40% of the prior year’s graduating class had taken at least one AP course and exam while enrolled at Pleasant Valley.

Jones highlighted several program specifics: 187 AP Human Geography exams (mostly freshmen and sophomores), with 70% scoring 4 or 5; AP precalculus, a new course, produced 65 exams with 65 of 67 scoring 4 or 5; and AP chemistry had 18 of 21 students score 4 or 5. Jones credited teachers, counselors and AP coordinators with increasing access and supporting students’ success.

The board also recognized seven National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Jones invited the students to introduce themselves; the students named in public remarks included Cooper Breeze, Isabella Sells, Alex Larson and JJ Garcia among others.

Board members thanked students and staff for the results and noted that the district’s mix of advanced academics and career‑technical offerings supports diverse post‑graduation paths. Jones said the district will continue to track course access, exam preparation and growth by subject area.

Ending: Board members asked a few follow‑up questions about course additions and counseling outreach; Jones said staff will continue to monitor AP participation rates and use results to refine instruction and course offerings.