O'Fallon Township High School (OTHS) told the Board of Education that AP exam participation rose sharply in 2025 and that average scores and pass rates also improved. The district also reported college-credit totals and estimated tuition savings from dual-credit partnerships.
The AP and college-credit report matters because higher AP participation and successful dual-credit programs can reduce college costs for students and indicate changes in academic offerings and staffing needs.
OTHS presented the AP data to the board: the district offers 19 AP courses and administers 21 AP exams. The number of AP exams administered increased from 299 in 2024 to 445 in 2025, driven in part by two new courses added last year (AP precalculus and AP statistics). "Our number of AP exams taken took a huge jump, from 299 in 2024 to now 445 in 2025," the presenter said. The district reported the six-year average AP score has risen to 3.7. The share of students earning a “passing” AP score of 3 or higher rose from 85% to 89%.
Officials explained that not all students take the AP exam because some courses already carry dual-credit college credit or because some students plan to attend colleges that accept only the highest AP scores. The presenter said AP courses include ongoing classroom preparation and focused review at the end of the year.
OTHS also reported dual-credit enrollments and estimated tuition savings. Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) charges about $123 per credit; SWIC data shared with the district showed students saved roughly $775,000 in SWIC tuition across recent years. The district also reported enrollment in Saint Louis University (SLU) dual-credit courses: 120 students earned 614 credits through SLU, and the district presented an estimated $1.2 million in tuition savings at SLU rates (presenter noted SLU’s per-credit cost is substantially higher than SWIC’s). Combining AP (counting each AP score of 3 as one college credit), SWIC and SLU dual-credit programs, the district estimated roughly $2.5 million in total tuition savings for students from those three college-credit pathways.
Looking ahead, OTHS said it may add an AP history class and a proposed AP science (anatomy, pending College Board release) for 2026–27, and later pursue an AP capstone research option and English opportunities for sophomores in subsequent years. The presenter said the district plans to send three to four teachers each summer to College Board professional development to support new and existing AP courses.
Board members asked about test costs and participation: the presenter noted the AP test fee is about $100 per exam and that some schools pay for all student exams, which affects participation patterns and statewide comparisons.
The presentation was discussion-only; no formal board action was recorded on AP or dual-credit program changes during the meeting. The district retained materials and the board was directed to full data posted in the board packet for course-by-course enrollment and score breakdowns.