All five Carroll County high schools have been named 2026 Advanced Placement Honor Schools by State School Superintendent Richard Woods and the Georgia Department of Education, receiving a record 13 awards.
Bowdon High School – AP Challenge School, AP Expansion School, AP Humanities School
Central High School – AP STEM School, AP STEM Achievement School
Mount Zion High School – AP Challenge School
Temple High School – AP Challenge School, AP STEM School, AP STEM Achievement School
Villa Rica High School – AP Access and Support School, AP Expansion School, AP STEM School, AP STEM Achievement School
“We are proud to offer a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) 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 at the college level while positioning them to meet the most rigorous college entrance requirements,” said Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Jennifer Shirley. “It is an honor for our schools to receive state recognition for these efforts.”
The Georgia Department of Education 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 at least 25 percent growth in AP participation from one year to the next, with a minimum of 25 students testing.
- AP Humanities Schools have administered at least five exams in each of the following AP categories: one ELA course, two social studies courses, one fine arts course, and one world language course, with a minimum of 25 total exams administered.
- 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 identify as African American and/or Hispanic (minimum of 16 students), with at least 30 percent of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. At least 25 exams must be administered.
During the 2024–2025 school year, 145 Carroll County high school students were recognized as AP Scholars, earning an average score of 3 or higher on at least three AP tests. The number of AP courses taken increased by nearly 20 percent, and nearly 1,000 students took AP exams.
Graduating seniors who take at least 10 Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes (with a minimum of four being AP), complete three years of a modern language, maintain 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,” said Associate Superintendent of School Performance Dr. Jessica Ainsworth. “We are dedicated to fostering a school experience where every student can excel and pursue their passions, ultimately preparing them for success — whether enrolled in college, enlisted in the military, or employed in a career and engaged in the community upon graduation.”
