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Barrow County highlights AP exam gains and growing dual‑enrollment credits at Sims Academy
Summary
District staff told the board that AP course enrollments and pass rates have risen and that dual‑enrollment offerings at Sims (with Lanier Technical College) continue to expand, producing thousands of college credit hours and potential tuition savings for families.
Barrow County officials reported Aug. 26 that Advanced Placement participation, AP pass rates and dual‑enrollment credit production have increased, and staff described program administration and student savings.
Director Shelly Fallows and data coordinator Beth Mitchum said the district currently offers 25 AP courses taught by trained teachers and that 1,503 AP course enrollments this school year represent 888 unique students. Beth Mitchum noted the long‑term trend in AP exam participation and reported that AP pass rates (scores of 3 or higher) have risen; in 2025 the district recorded 84 score‑5 results across 69 students.
On dual enrollment, community and career partners described the district’s Sims Academy partnership with Lanier Technical College. Director Jennifer Wood and district staff said dual‑enrollment students earned 1,090 college credits in the most recent reporting period and that credits earned at Sims through Lanier Tech are articulated with the University System of Georgia, supporting transferability. Staff said credits represent substantial potential tuition savings for families and allow students to accumulate college credit while in high school; they reported 372 students participating in dual‑enrollment courses (tenth through 12th grade) in the most recent year.
Officials described logistical coordination: AP coordinators manage testing windows and the district adjusts EOC schedules when conflicts arise so students can take both high‑stakes tests and AP exams without overlap. For dual enrollment, district staff coordinate transportation and scheduling with a shuttle system so students can attend Sims and return to home high schools.
Board members asked whether scheduling limited students’ opportunities; staff said they reschedule EOCs or exam blocks when necessary and that BASA (Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy) students have campus proximity that can make scheduling easier. No board action was taken; staff thanked AP coordinators and partners and urged continued support for program growth.
