LAPS has been named 2023 AP® District of the Year and students, teachers, district and school administrators, state officials and College Board leadership gathered Wednesday morning in Griffith Gymnasium for a special award presentation ceremony. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
State Sen. Leo Jaramillo celebrates LAPS being named 2023 AP® District of the Year during a special award presentation ceremony Wednesday morning in Griffith Gymnasium. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
“This is a bright spot not only for Los Alamos but for the entire state…” –Dep. Education Secretary Amanda DeBell
Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) has been named College Board Advanced Placement® District of the Year for being the national leader among small-sized school districts whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access.
Los Alamos Public Schools was one of more than 12,000 school districts across the U.S. and Canada whose schools achieved high placement on the annual AP School Honor Roll. From this list, three AP Districts of the Year―one for each category of district population size: small, medium and large―were selected based on research-based criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Students, teachers, district and school administrators, state officials and College Board leadership gathered to recognize the district’s national achievement at a special award presentation ceremony Wednesday morning in Griffith Gymnasium.
Featured speakers included:
- State Sen. Leo Jaramillo;
- NMPED Dep. Secretary of Education Amanda DeBell;
- AP Teacher Stephanie Mitchell;
- AP Students Siri Khalsa and Andy Enriquez;
- Los Alamos High School Principal Renee Dunwoody;
- Assistant Superintendent J. Carter Payne of Teaching & Learning;
- College Board Vice President Dr. Michelle Cruz Arnold; and
- LAPS School Board President Antonio Jaurigue.
“For Los Alamos Public Schools to be recognized as the AP Small District of the Year is a reflection of the dedication of our students and staff and the commitment of our district leadership,” Sen. Jaramillo said. “I am proud to represent Los Alamos Public Schools in my senate district.”
New Mexico Dep. Education Secretary DeBell commended LAPS for this major achievement.
“On behalf of the New Mexico Public Education Department we want to congratulate Los Alamos High School and the district for being named the AP Small District of the Year,” she said. “The work being done for students is outstanding setting our future up for success. This is a bright spot not only for Los Alamos but for the entire state and we could not be more proud. We hope for continued Advanced Placement Success for both Los Alamos and the great state of New Mexico. I am honored to have been able to attend the pep rally today where this esteemed honor was celebrated.”
College Board AP Program Head Packer said, “This award shows that Los Alamos Public Schools is challenging many students to achieve at the highest levels. LAPS schools are ensuring that all learners have greater access to earning college credit in a wide variety of AP subjects. Congratulations to all the educators and students whose dedication and hard work garnered this well-deserved recognition.”
LAPS Superintendent Guy said, “I am grateful that College Board recognized the incredible work that our staff and students do every day. It is inspiring to hear students talk about how teachers at LAPS are making a difference in their lives. We are seeing a steady increase in the number of students who are taking AP courses that appeal to their interests. I am proud of all of our students. We will continue to work to provide engaging courses that help 100% of our students thrive.”
LAHS Principal Dunwoody also expressed pride in the students and staff.
“I am so proud of the students and staff at Los Alamos High School and am honored to have their work recognized by College Board,” Dunwoody said. “Taking an AP class can be challenging and it is amazing how many of our students are willing to take on that challenge. Our teachers do a fantastic job of making the content accessible and engaging and it shows!”
Over the past year, Los Alamos Public Schools maintained 40% or more of the graduating cohort taking at least 1 AP Exam during high school, and simultaneously 25% or more of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least 1 AP Exam during high school.
Participating in AP coursework can lead to college savings for families. The typical student who scores a 3 or higher on two AP Exams can save, on average, $2,252 at a public four-year college and over $8,308 at a private institution.
While two out of three AP students earn some college credit, success in AP is measured by more than exam results. Research shows students who take AP courses and exams are more likely than their peers to attend college and graduate on time. Even AP Exam scores of 1 or 2 predict better college outcomes than academically similar college students who didn’t take an AP course and exam.
In 2023, more than 3,400 colleges and universities worldwide received AP scores for college credit, placement, or consideration in the admissions process. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer credit in one or more subjects for qualifying AP scores.
To learn more about AP, visit exploreap.org.
About Los Alamos Public Schools
Los Alamos Public Schools offers a well-rounded learning opportunity for students in PreK through 12th grade with a 97% graduation rate. The district serves 3,700 students, including 170 students from 33 different countries and pueblos speaking 25 different languages.
LAPS offers a well-rounded education including fine arts, CTE, clubs and activities. The high school curriculum is diversified, allowing students to develop an individualized rigorous four-year plan, including Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses. Career and Technology options include automotive, culinary arts, building trades and business and marketing classes. Students who desire a different approach to education can apply to the School of Choice or the Los Alamos Early College & Career Academy programs.
Scene of teachers, district and school administrators, Deputy State Secretary of Education and College Board leadership in attendance at Wednesday morning’s awards presentation ceremony in Griffith Gym. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com
Assistant Superintendent J. Carter Payne speaking during Wednesday morning’s awards presentation ceremony in Griffith Gym. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com
Los Alamos High School AP Students Anna Wetteland and Sam Pesiri. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com
Scene of students celebrating during Wednesday morning’s awards presentation ceremony in Griffith Gym. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com
Scene of students celebrating during Wednesday morning’s awards presentation ceremony in Griffith Gym. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com
Scene of students celebrating during Wednesday morning’s awards presentation ceremony in Griffith Gym. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com
Members of the Los Alamos High School NJROTC present the Colors at the opening of Wednesday morning’s awards presentation ceremony in Griffith Gym. Photo by John McHale.ladailypost.com