A Long Island school district has received national recognition.
College Board named Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District one of three Advanced Placement Districts of the Year. They were among over 12,000 qualifying districts across the US and Canada and represent the medium-sized district category.
74% of the class of 2024 have taken at least one AP class, with 52% of them earning at least one 3 on the exam. A 3 is passing grade, while 5 is the maximum possible score.
The district, which serves around 5,600 total students, offers 30 AP courses. This includes classes such as AP Psychology, AP US History, and AP Human Geography.
Bellmore-Merrick, which consists of two middle schools, an alternative school, and three high schools, met the criteria, which included the ability to provide college credit opportunities, maximizing college readiness, and increase college-going culture. Additionally, College Board awarded them the AP Access Award as they continue to provide equitable access to the coursework, with many underprivileged and low-income students participating in AP courses.
Last month, the district received recognition for exam scores from the 2022-23 school year. Over 583 students were recognized by the AP Scholars Program. 277 of them received AP Scholar for scoring a 3 or higher on at least three exams. 121 received AP Scholar with Honor after averaging a score of 3.25 on exams taken, with at least four exams resulting in a 3 or better. 182 received AP Scholar with Distinction for achieving an average score of 3.5, with at least a 3 on five or more exams.
The district also participated in the AP Capstone program. 72 students were named a Capstone Scholar for earning at least 3 in AP Seminar and AP Research. 31 of these scholars earned an AP Capstone Seminar and Research Certificate, while the other 41 received an AP Capstone Diploma for additionally scoring a 3 or higher on four additional exams.
Bellmore-Merrick received the award on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Mepham High School in Bellmore. Surrounded by students from the district, Superintendent of Schools Michael Harrington was on hand to accept the award from Terry Redican, vice president of the Advanced Placement Program.
