The College Board’s AP School Honor Roll celebrates schools that excel in providing students with college credit and placement opportunities.

Blanson Career Technology Education (CTE) High School and Avalos P-TECH School proudly announce they placed on the College Board’s 2024 AP School Honor Roll, earning the prestigious Silver and Bronze distinctions, respectively.

In addition to the Silver and Bronze distinctions, Blanson CTE HS and Avalos P-TECH School earned the AP Access Award. It is Blanson’s second consecutive year to obtain the honor. The AP Access celebrates the schools’ commitment to expanding access to AP coursework for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

AP School Honor Roll

Launched in 2023, the AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools with AP programs that deliver results for students while expanding access. Schools qualify based on criteria that promote a college-going culture, college credit opportunities, and college readiness.

“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents for these achievements,” said Dr. Susan Pelezo, executive director of the AISD Advanced Academics Office. “We and our schools are committed to providing all students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically and prepare for success in college and beyond.”

The AP School Honor Roll offers four distinction levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Blanson CTE High School and Avalos P-TECH School join an elite group dedicated to broadening students’ academic horizons.

Qualifying Criteria

Schools earn a spot on the AP School Honor Roll by meeting the following criteria for their recent graduating class (school year 2023-2024):

• • College Credit: At least 25% scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.
  • College Optimization: At least 2% took five or more AP exams, with one in ninth or 10th grade, to help balance the AP experience across high school.

AP Access Award

The AP School Honor Roll acknowledges schools that excel in providing students with opportunities to earn college credit and placement, fostering a college-going culture, and maximizing college readiness.

This award recognizes the school’s efforts to break down barriers and provide equitable access to rigorous coursework for all students, regardless of their background.

Schools earn the additional award if the percentage of AP Exam takers who are underrepresented minority and/or low-income students mirrors the school’s overall student demographics. For example, suppose 50% of a school’s student body is low-income. In that case, 50% of the AP Exam takers must also be low-income for a school to receive the AP Access Award.

AP Courses and College Readiness

According to Pelezo, the Advanced Placement Program allows students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Through rigorous coursework and exams, students develop critical thinking skills, build strong arguments, and explore multiple perspectives, preparing them for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

Students and parents interested in learning more about AP opportunities at Blanson CTE High School and Avalos P-TECH School are encouraged to contact the schools’ AP coordinators. Principal Joshua Van Donsel and Principal Stephen Heady lead the campuses, respectively.