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John Handley High School reports rising AP participation and 3+ scores; district covers exam costs
Summary
The district presented an update on Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and results at John Handley High School, reporting more tests administered, coverage of exam costs by the district and a rising share of students scoring 3 or higher.
WINCHESTER, Va. — John Handley High School presented its Advanced Placement (AP) program data to the Winchester School Board Tuesday, reporting a growing number of AP tests and an increasing share of students achieving scores of 3 or higher.
Miss Buckley said the high school offers 21 AP courses, with several delivered through Virtual Virginia (VVA). The district covers AP exam costs so students who take the courses can sit for the tests regardless of ability to pay. Buckley reported the total number of possible tests after both semesters could reach about 944 and said the percentage of AP students scoring a 3 or higher rose year over year, approaching roughly 57% for 2024–25.
Participation and equity remain a focus. Buckley showed the ethnic distribution of AP students and said the district will continue efforts to increase proportional participation across groups; she said economically disadvantaged proportionality will be reported once the division submits its fall SRC data to the state. The AP presentation also highlighted that district policy incentivizes taking the AP exam — students who do not sit for the exam may not receive the full quality-point credit for the course.
Why it matters: Higher AP participation and scores can affect readiness indicators in the state accountability framework and create college-credit opportunities for students. District officials emphasized supports for students and teachers, including study sessions and counseling outreach to recruit and sustain AP participation.
What the board heard: Board members asked how the district compares to state and national data; Buckley said final comparative data were not yet available because several states were still finalizing scores. The board praised incremental gains and highlighted the need for supports to sustain student success in rigorous courses.
Sources: AP program presentation to the Winchester Public Schools Board of Education; presenter Miss Buckley.
