PROVIDENCE – Ponaganset High School was one of six Rhode Island schools honored for ongoing commitment to increasing Advanced Placement access, participation, and success this week by state leaders.
According to a release from the Rhode Island Department of Education, PHS and five additional high schools have, “greatly contributed to Rhode Island’s incredible AP growth.”
Approximately 34 percent of Rhode Island’s class of 2022 took an AP Exam in high school, placing Rhode Island as third in the nation for ten-year growth, according to College Board. Rhode Island’s class of 2021 led the nation in ten-year growth, with a 16.1 percentage point increase.
“Participation in Advanced Placement Exams is not only a testament to a student’s academic rigor but also a crucial step towards unlocking their full potential and preparing them for the challenges of higher education,” said Gov. Dan McKee. “By taking AP Exams in high school, students can potentially save thousands of dollars on college tuition and accelerate their path towards a degree. Thank you to all Rhode Island high schools who have worked to increase opportunities for students and empower them to achieve excellence.”
RIDE noted that Rhode Island also leads the way as an early Two Codes adopter, which is a College Board initiative that offers high school students access to college-level coursework in computer science and American government.
“As a Two Code school, Ponaganset High School students enrolled in AP Computer Science and AP U.S. Government and Politics master the disciplines of technology and democracy: the codes of the economy and innovation, and the code of our public life,” said Foster-Glocester Regional School District Supt. Renee Palazzo. “The Ponaganset school community extends its deep gratitude to RIDE and College Board for today’s recognition, and to our students and educators for their unwavering commitment to excellence every day.”
The other high schools recognized were Central Falls; Dr. Jorge Alvarez; East Providence; North Providence and William M. Davies, Jr.
