Piscataway High School has been recognized with two distinguished awards by the College Board for its outstanding efforts in expanding access to Advanced Placement courses.

PHS earned “Bronze” status on the AP School Honor Roll for welcoming more students into AP courses and setting them on the path to college success. Among the three metrics for the award, PHS earned “Gold” status for College Credit, which rates the percent of students in the graduating class who scored 3 or higher on any AP Exam.

“We know it takes a considerable schoolwide effort — dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents — to make AP access a priority,” Trevor Packer, College Board’s senior vice president for AP and instruction, said in his announcement letter to PHS Assistant Principal Dr. Maria Cetta, AP Exam coordinator. “Congratulations! I'm inspired by your commitment and grateful for the chance to honor your success.”

PHS also earned the “Access Award,” which is given to schools that allow all students access to AP courses, encouraging more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses. This award demonstrates “a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework,” Packer said.

“I am so proud of all our AP students and teachers for their role in PHS earning both the AP Bronze Award and AP Access Award,” said PHS Principal Chris Baldassano. “These prestigious awards recognize the hard work and dedication put forth by our faculty and scholars. These awards are a reflection of that work and speak to the rigor of the PHS AP Program. Congratulations!”

PHS offers 28 AP courses in the areas of Arts, English, History and Social Sciences, Math and Computer Science, Sciences, and World Language and Cultures. Over 500 students are enrolled in AP courses and over 800 AP tests were taken last spring.

Benefits that PHS students reap from AP courses include earning college credits, developing college skills, and standing out to on college applications. Research consistently shows that AP students are better prepared for college than students who don’t take AP. They’re more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate in four years.

PHS’s inclusion in the AP Honor Roll was made possible through the ongoing collaborations of the high school administration spearheaded by Dr. Cetta, the PHS Counseling Department, and the district Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. PHS supports students in AP classes with an AP Summer Institute for welcoming new AP students, AP Spring Academy with prep sessions and mock exams, and an after-school tutoring program.

“Research shows students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time,” Packer said in his letter. “And even for those who don’t earn college credit, advanced coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.”