Hartselle High earns spot on AP Honor Roll for exceptional achievement

rebekah.yancey @hartselleenquirer.com

Hartselle High School has been named to the AP Honor Roll, a recognition given for exemplary performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams.

In May, 357 Hartselle students took a total of 744 AP exams across various subjects. Out of these, a total of 437 exams earned qualifying scores, enabling students to potentially earn college credit and strengthening their readiness for higher education. Among the class of 2024, 141 out of 243 seniors, or 58 percent, took at least one AP exam, which earned them the silver-level designation on the AP Honor Roll.

To be considered for the distinction, a high school must meet specific criteria: At least 40% of the graduating class must take at least one AP exam, 25% or more of the class must score a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and at least 2% of the class must have taken five or more AP exams during their high school career.

Principal Dr. Brad Cooper emphasized the achievements of the class of 2024: 90 students passed at least one AP exam, fulfilling the college credit metric and earning HHS gold-level recognition. Further showcasing the school’s commitment to excellence, 47 seniors completed five or more AP exams throughout high school, earning the school platinum status.

Hartselle High School’s AP program receives critical support from A+College Ready, a state initiative dedicated to expandingcollege-prepaccess across Alabama. Through A+College Ready, students who earn a qualifying score on an AP exam receive a $100 gift card, and teachers benefit from incentives tied to student performance. This program also equips teachers with advanced classroom resources and intensive training, ensuring they are well-prepared to guide students through challenging coursework, Cooper said.

Cooper highlighted the importance of the AP program at HHS, not only for those students who pass but also for those who benefit from the rigor of the coursework. Even students who do not earn qualifying scores gain valuable experience with college-level material, helping them grow academically and become better prepared for future studies. Furthermore, an agreement with Calhoun Community College allows students enrolled in dual AP and college courses to receive free college tuition if they pass the AP exam.

Numbers across the board are on the rise at Hartselle. The number of students in advanced placement courses has grown since 2020 by more than 200. The number of exams taken nearly tripled during the same timeframe. Cooper said these rising numbers are due to a driven student body and staff who want to see them succeed.

Reagan Rhone teaches AP literature and composition at Hartselle. He said he is teaching more students every year. For Rhone, the benefit of AP classes is undeniable.

“Students develop stronger critical thinking skills – the how and why, not just the what they’re learning,” he said. “Those critical thinking and problem-solving skills are what make students truly educated, not just absorbing content.

The success of Hartselle students is directly related to community support and “phenomenal” teachers in the district, Rhone added. “The headlines that the high school enjoys are built on the firm foundation of our elementary and intermediate schools,” he said. “Hartselle families support rigor in the classroom with their checkbooks and in their living rooms.” “Our teachers and students are driven. They truly want to be the best,” Cooper added. “We have dedicated teachers who spend countless hours investing in the success of our students. We have students who are driven to be the best in all that they do. At Hartselle High School, it is about our people. Our excellent staff and amazing students truly make it a special place.” Superintendent Dr. Brian Clayton agrees.

We are very proud of the students, faculty, staff and administration of Hartselle High School for achieving the School of Excellence commendation. They have achieved numbers in the Advanced Placement courses that have drawn tremendous accolades for Hartselle High School. We are very proud that our students take challenging courses and perform well in these courses, con-tinuing the Hartselle tradition.

Hartselle Junior High School was also recognized as a School of Excellence. A+ College Ready provides schools with a three-year grant program that equips and empowers schools and educators to raise expectations for all students in their classrooms, leading to better student outcomes. Each school on the grant is expected to test students in the fall of their seventh-grade year. The results act as a baseline score. These same students take the test again in the spring of the eighth-grade year. If the school scores 60 points higher, it has reached its growth goal.

“We are very proud of Hartselle Junior High’s academic performance which resulted in them being named a School of Academic Excellence, Clayton added. “Students receive an excellent foundation at HJHS that prepares them for the rigors of Advanced Placement classes.”