Woodstock and Woodstock North High Schools earned places on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll for the schools’ outstanding work to welcome more students to AP courses and support them on their path toward college success.

Both schools earned Silver recognition for expanding their buildings’ college culture, helping students earn college credit and optimizing students' college readiness.

“We know it takes a considerable schoolwide effort  — dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students and parents  — to make AP access a priority,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president of AP and Instruction for the College Board.

The high schools also were honored with the AP Access Award, which recognizes schools that do more to encourage low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses, which demonstrates a commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework.

Mike Moan, Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 superintendent, said he was proud of all of the AP designations, and the Access Award in particular.

“We know all students can learn and if given proper access to educational opportunities, they will learn and can thrive. Our students and staff prove that time and time again. We’re proud of our staff for providing these challenges, and proud of our students for meeting them,” Moan said.

At Woodstock High School, 61 percent of students took at least one AP course before graduating, 50 percent of graduates earned an AP test score of at least 3 to earn college credit, and 10 percent of students took a total of five AP courses throughout their high school careers. Those indicators earned the school Silver, Platinum and Gold recognition, respectively.

"Recognitions like this highlight the incredible work of our highly dedicated students and staff.  With approximately 75-80% of our graduating seniors enrolling in a two or four-year school, it is critical that those students see themselves as college-bound and engage in rigorous coursework while at WHS. It's equally important that they have staff that believe in them and provide support for them to be successful," WHS Principal Art Vallicelli said.

Similar success was repeated at Woodstock North High School, where 59 percent of Thunder students took at least one AP class, 43 percent earned college credit by scoring a 3 or higher on their AP exam, and 19 percent  took 5 AP courses. North earned Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition, respectively.

Woodstock North Principal Josh Segura credited his students and staff for the AP Honor Roll designation.

“WNHS's recognition as a Silver Award winner for AP is more evidence that we have talented and dedicated students who understand the importance of rigorous coursework. I am proud of our students and teachers for these accomplishments,” Segura said.