Gains in students taking and scoring high in Advanced Placement (AP) tests has landed the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCUSD) a spot on the College Board’s 6th annual AP District Honor Roll.

“We are proud to be named to the AP District Honor Roll,” Superintendent Bruce Harter said in a statement.  

To land a spot on the Honor Roll, districts had to increase the number of students participating in AP courses, while sustaining or increasing the number of students scoring a 3 or higher on the AP exam. The District is one of 29 to receive this award.

WCCUSD has increased the number of AP test takers by 132 since 2013, and the number of tests taken has grown by nearly 300. 

A high score on an AP test often means that the student gains college credit for an equivalent course. WCCUSD being selected on the District Honor Roll shows marked improvement in a district where on average just 27 percent of students are deemed college ready.

“That the committed teachers and administrators in this district have both expanded AP access and also helped their students achieve high levels of performance on AP Exams…is a real testament to their belief that a more diverse population of young people is ready for the challenge of college,” Trevor Packer, the College Board’s senior vice president of AP and Instruction, said in a statement.