All five Carroll County high schools have been named 2025 Advanced Placement Honor Schools by State School Superintendent Richard Woods and the Georgia Department of Education.
- Bowdon High School, AP Challenge School
- Central High School, AP Expansion School, AP STEM School, AP STEM Achievement School
- Mount Zion High School, AP Challenge School
- Temple High School, AP Challenge School
- Villa Rica High School, AP STEM School, AP STEM Achievement School, AP Access and Support School.
“We are proud to offer 24 different Advanced Placement College Board Courses for students in our high schools as part of our efforts to help students be better prepared for their future after high school graduation. AP courses help academically advanced students explore new learning opportunities while positioning them to meet the most rigorous college entrance requirements,” Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Jennifer Shirley said. “It is an honor for our schools to receive state recognition for these efforts.”
The GADOE recognizes specific schools for achievement each year based on AP testing. AP Challenge Schools have enrollments of 900 or fewer students and students testing in English, Math, Science and Social Studies with a minimum of 25 students testing. AP Expansion Schools have 25 percent growth in AP participation from one year to the next with a minimum of 25 students testing.
AP STEM Schools have a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses. AP STEM Achievement Schools have a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses with at least 50 percent of STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher. AP Access and Support Schools have at least 30 percent of AP exams taken by students who identified as African American and/or Hispanic (minimum of 16 students) and 30 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. At least 25 exams must be administered.
During the 2023-2024 school year, 107 Carroll County high school students were recognized as AP Scholars with an average score of 3 or higher on at least three AP tests. Last year the district saw 140 more students than the prior year taking AP exams and an 11 percent increase in passing scores.
Graduating seniors who take at least 10 Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes (a minimum of four must be AP), complete three years of a modern language, have at least a 4.0 GPA and qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship are recognized as Advanced Academic Program of Study graduates by the school district.
“Carroll County Schools is committed to empowering our students to reach their full potential through challenging academic programs, innovative learning experiences and personalized support,” Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said. “We are dedicated to fostering a school experience where every student can excel and pursue their passions, ultimately preparing them for success enrolled in college, enlisted in the military or employed in a career and engaged in the community upon graduation.”
