Sioux Falls reports strong AP growth and an 80% AP pass rate

Summary

The district reported growth in AP participation and dual‑credit enrollment: 1,989 students took 3,577 AP exams with an 80% pass rate (2,855 exams scored 3+); 548 students earned dual credit totaling 3,201 credits. The board acknowledged the report and discussed counseling supports to help families choose AP vs. dual‑credit paths.

Miss Granaga presented the district’s advanced placement and dual‑credit report, emphasizing increased participation and high passing rates. She said 1,989 students sat for a total of 3,577 AP exams — representing 55% of all AP exams taken in South Dakota — and 2,855 exams received a passing score of 3 or higher, a pass rate of about 80 percent.

Granaga said the district saw growth in students taking two or more AP exams (up from 744 to 925) and that 690 students earned AP scholar recognitions across several award tiers. On dual credit, she reported 548 students participated and earned 3,201 credits; schools and community partners (Avera Academy, Sanford’s Classroom to Careers, Southeast Tech) were cited as pathways for in‑district college courses and CTE offerings.

Funding details shared: College Board and state support covered 496 exams for 278 students, and the district funded an additional 528 exams for 305 students to remove financial barriers to testing. Board members commended counselors’ outreach and discussed how counselors and teachers guide families on AP versus dual‑credit options; the board acknowledged the report.