More than half of students at Oak Park and River Forest High School took an Advanced Placement exam last year, one of several reasons that the school was named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, according to an announcement from the College Board.
“We’re incredibly proud of the AP program we have at OPRF, and more importantly, the rich learning experiences our students are able to enjoy during their four years here,” Superintendent Greg Johnson said in a written statement. “We also know that we still have work to do, and this recognition gives all of us even more motivation to ensure that all students at OPRF receive the very best education we can offer.”
The honor places OPRF in elite company, according to Julie Lam, Ed.D., director of student learning at OPRF. Lam added that just 30% of high schools that offer AP classes received an honor roll distinction. Only 9% of them earned a silver distinction.
Calling the award “truly something to celebrate,” Lam noted that OPRF’s AP program is growing. “Last school year, 82% of OPRF AP students earned scores of 3 or higher on their AP exams, which is the highest since pre-pandemic 2019,” she added.
The AP Honor Roll award ranges from platinum to bronze. OPRF’s overall silver recognition was awarded based on the graduating class of 2023, according to a statement from Karin Sullivan, OPRF’s executive director of communications and community relations. The statement also listed the following achievements:
Silver status for College Culture: 59% took at least one AP exam during high school. The criterion for gold is 65%.
Gold status for College Credit: 47% scored a 3 or better on at least one AP exam during high school. The criterion for platinum is 50%.
Gold status for College Optimization: 12% took five or more AP exams during high school, with at least one of the five taken during 9th or 10th grade. The criterion for platinum is 15%.
For students, AP classes provide a way to earn college credit and take on challenging coursework. Senior Maysoon Karim decided to take AP Biology, AP Environment, AP Calculus AB to “experience a college class and be in more challenging classes.”
Danny McNeilly Jr, who is also taking AP Calculus AB, added, “It looks great on a college application.”
According to a press release from the school, OPRF offers 27 AP classes, including AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, Economics, Music Theory, Studio Art, European History, Computer Science, Physics and Spanish.
