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SMCPS reports gains in AP participation and passing rates; 42.7% of 2025 graduates passed at least one AP exam
Summary
St. Mary's County Public Schools presented May 2025 AP exam results showing increased exam participation and higher rates of scores 3–5; the district highlighted growth in AP Scholars, AP Capstone completions, and planned outreach to underrepresented students.
St. Mary's County Public Schools presented its Advanced Placement (AP) exam results for the 2024–25 school year at the Sept. 24 board meeting, reporting higher participation and improved pass rates across its high schools.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Colleen Gill and curriculum lead Katie Kortikrax told the board the data, compiled from the College Board, show strong growth in both the number of AP exams taken and the share of exams scored 3 or higher. The district reported that 42.7 percent of the class of 2025 earned at least one passing AP score (a 3, 4 or 5) at some point during high school.
Why it matters: increasing AP access and success can affect college readiness and potential college credit for students. Presenters said the district increased the number of exams taken from roughly 1,800 in prior years to nearly 2,800, while raising the proportion of scores of 3–5.
Key details presented: SMCPS students took 37 different AP exams in May 2025. The district reported score improvements across many subjects and growth in College Board recognitions — AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar with Distinction. The district also reported increases in students completing AP Seminar and AP Research (the AP Capstone sequence) and noted plans to expand AP course offerings and outreach to underrepresented students, including stronger middle-school preparation and information sessions at each high school.
Presenters stressed that AP exam registration and participation remain optional for families. Dr. Gill encouraged students to take the PSAT in October because those results inform AP potential identifications sent to families before AP course registration. The district said it will continue to broaden course offerings across the three high schools and highlighted two new AP courses planned for the coming year.
On demographic tracking: presenters said the College Board has recently limited demographic fields in its reporting, and that not all previous race/ethnicity breakdowns are available from the College Board’s data this year.
Board members praised the results and emphasized the role of teachers. Student Board Member Vanessa Lee and other board members encouraged increased AP Seminar enrollment as a path to expanding AP Research participation.
Ending: District leaders said they will continue to monitor AP participation and outcomes, expand access where possible, and post related resources on district and College Board web pages.
