The College Board has announced that New Braunfels High School has been named to the 2024 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning a Bronze Distinction.

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 reflects a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“New Braunfels High School being recognized for this is an honor as it highlights a commitment to academic excellence and the dedication to providing students with access to college-level courses,” said NBISD Superintendent Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury. “This distinction reflects the hard work of both our students and educators.”

College Board’s AP Program enables students to pursue college-level studies with opportunities to earn college credits, advanced placement, or both while still being enrolled in high school. Through AP coursework, 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.

The recognition is based on the AP Exams taken in May of last school year. NBHS had 21 teachers from the Ninth Grade Center and NBHS who taught 48 sections of AP courses last school year.

There were 104 students from the class of 2024 that took AP courses. Those 104 seniors took 554 AP courses over the course of their four years of high school. Of those 554 AP courses taken, 425 of the courses earned a score of three or higher. Colleges typically offer college credit when a student earns a three or better on their AP Exam.

 For example, NBHS had a senior who took 12 AP courses from 9th grade to 12th grade. She scored a three or better on all 12 exams. When you consider that each Exam with a score of three or better equals a college course; that means she in essence earned 36 college credit hours before she even graduated from high school.

“That’s why we encourage students starting their 9th grade year to begin taking AP Courses,” said Kerry Morris, NBHS College, Career and Military Readiness Advisor. “Our seniors from the Class of 2024 earned a score of three or better on 425 exams, which equals approximately 1,275 college credits that our seniors earned. The positive financial impact that has on students’ college degree attainment is huge!”

There were 30 seniors from the class of 2024 who earned a score of five on one or more AP Exams during their high school careers. A five on the AP Exam is the highest a student can score.

“It is extremely difficult, and we had many students earn multiple five’s,” Morris said. “The classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027 are working hard to achieve similar successes. All of our AP students and AP teachers last year did an amazing job and set the bar extremely high, and we are extremely proud of them all!”