ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools is reporting record achievement on Advanced Placement exams as more students across the district take AP courses and tests.

The district says AP exam scores are higher, while the percentage of qualifying scores continues to increase. Passing scores of 3, 4 and 5 increased to 61%, up from 60% in 2025.

APS Associate Superintendent Forrestella Taylor said schools across the district are seeing improvements.

“We have an increase in the number of schools who have shown year over year gain, and those students who have reached a score of 3 or above,” Taylor said.

Every APS school with AP exam results increased its number of qualifying scores. Taylor said more students are also getting access to and participating in AP courses.

“All of our schools showed an increase in the number of students who had access, and also who engaged in AP courses,” Taylor said.

Qualifying AP scores can be used toward college credits, which Taylor said can also help families financially.

“Having some of those courses through those credit hours are already taken care of, absolutely supports families who are responsible financially,” Taylor said.

Taylor credited preparation, encouragement and teachers preparing students for the rigor of AP courses.

“No one rises to low expectations, if this isn’t the case study for that statement I don’t know what else is,” Taylor said.

The district says the results show expanded access to AP exams, along with support for students, is leading more students to take on the challenge.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Lisa Nicholas contributed to this story.