College Board announced that St. Catharine Academy has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning GOLD distinction.
St. Catharine’s was also recognized with the AP Access Award, which “recognizes Saint Catharine Academy as providing all students the chance to participate in AP, including students of underrepresented populations.”
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
St. Catharine Academy had 71% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 35% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 18% of seniors who took five or more AP exams! St. Catharine Academy offers 11 AP Courses.
"St. Catharine Academy prides itself by giving students an opportunity to challenge themselves by offering college level courses as early as sophomore year,” says Carmela Melucci-Ivanov, assistant principal of academic services. “We find that this opportunity allows our students to be better prepared for the rigors of college."
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”
St. Catharine Academy, grades 6 through 12, has been preparing young women in the Mercy tradition for college success, leadership, and engagement in the world since 1889. They offer a rigorous academic curriculum, including Advancement Placement Courses, Regents Courses, and Academic Honors. They have signature programs in STEM and Visual Arts. In 2023, their graduates earned nearly $37 million in college academic scholarships and grants. The school welcomes young women of all faiths and backgrounds.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.