Middle Township High School students who celebrated completing AP exams in the spring had plenty of company; the school’s participation in AP tests increased 43% from 2022.
District leaders attribute the school’s success to a multi-year investment in staff training and student access
Cape May Court House, N.J. – Middle Township High School’s Advanced Placement program started the school year with major momentum.
AP scores reported over the summer showed an increase in the number of MTHS students scoring at 3 or higher. A score of 3 qualifies for college credit at many schools. AP class enrollment and exam participation has also significantly grown over the last five years.
Eighty-four percent of MTHS students earned a 3 or higher on AP exams this year. That is up from 83% last year and 64% in 2022.
Participation in the program also is on the rise, with 116 students enrolled in AP classes, up from 81 in 2022 – a 43% increase.
“This success is a testament to the dedication of our students, the expertise and commitment of our AP teachers, and the collaborative efforts of our guidance team and administration,” said MTHS Principal Dr. Sharon Rementer. “By challenging themselves academically, our students are building confidence, preparing for college, and demonstrating that they can compete and succeed at a high level. These results reflect the hard work happening in our classrooms every day and our commitment to ensuring that all students have access to rigorous coursework and opportunities for success.”
Grant funding has supported the district’s expanded AP participation, said Dr. Toni Lehman, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction at Middle Township Public Schools.
“We’re incredibly proud of the collaborative effort behind this growth, from grant-funded professional development to the dedication of our school administration, AP staff and guidance team,” Lehman said. “This growth reflects what’s possible when strategic investment, strong instruction, and student buy-in come together. Most importantly, our students deserve recognition for the ownership they took in their own success, showing up for boot camps and embracing the challenge of AP coursework.”
Lehman attributes the program’s strides to the district’s multi-year investment in staff training and student access, as well as the work of the high school’s leadership team. Through an AP expansion grant, Middle Township Public Schools provided three summer institutes and two cross-curricular workshops for AP teachers and staff. The district also purchased additional AP resources to support test preparation.
Middle Township High School’s AP teachers follow College Board-aligned course content, ensuring students are taught what they need to be successful on the exams. The students also had the opportunity to participate in after-school AP boot camps for focused prep time.
“The positive trend in our AP program is a prime example of how the district is carrying out its strategic plan,” said Superintendent Stephanie DeRose. “Teaching and curriculum excellence is a core commitment of the plan, and we are working hard to ensure every student has access to academic opportunities that will benefit them at MTHS and beyond.”
MTHS’s AP courses challenge students to think critically, write analytically, and engage deeply with content. Students who earn qualifying scores can receive college credit or advanced placement at colleges and universities nationwide. The coursework also builds the academic stamina and discipline necessary for college success.