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Madison Metropolitan School District

Three MMSD High Schools Recognized with AP Pacesetter Awards

Three MMSD High Schools Recognized with AP Pacesetter Awards

MMSD is pleased to announce that three of its high schools—East, Vel Phillips Memorial, and West—have been recognized by the Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council with AP Pacesetter Awards for the 2023–2024 school year. 

Memorial and West achieved Level 2 designation, and East earned Level 3. The criteria for the levels are as follows:

  • Level 1 schools had 30% or more of all students participate in at least one AP exam, with 70% or more earning a score of 3 or above.
  • Level 2 schools had 20% or more of all students participate in at least one AP exam, with 65% or more earning a score of 3 or above.
  • Level 3 schools had 10% or more of all students participate in at least one AP exam, with 60% or more earning a score of 3 or above.

“AP courses are designed to be rigorous and challenging, and they hold benefits that extend beyond subject mastery,” said Cynthia Green, MMSD’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. “Students who successfully pass AP classes have the opportunity to graduate with college credit, which can translate to real tuition savings down the line.”

This marks the second consecutive year that both Vel Phillips Memorial and West realized Level 2 distinction, joining 35 other schools across the state with the honor; in total, 151 Wisconsin schools attained Level 1, 2 or 3 AP Pacesetter status. 

Last year was a record-setting one for MMSD in terms of its AP participation. In May, 1,845 students took a cumulative 3,803 AP exams. MMSD’s pass rate was 76%, with an average score of 3.4 (out of a possible 5).

“We prioritize providing our students with well-rounded opportunities that prepare them for college, career and community,” said Mary Jankovich, MMSD’s executive director of secondary programs and pathways. “Our AP offerings do that by giving students a head start on their post-graduation journey.”

Well-rounded opportunities are one of four key priority areas—along with early learning, multilingual education and culture and climate—that inform MMSD’s operations and facilities referendum questions on the Nov. 5 ballot. 

To register to vote, please visit: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Register-To-Vote