ROCKVILLE, MD—A total of 4,582 students—the largest number ever in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)—were among the nation’s top performers on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams last spring, according to The College Board, which administers the exams. Every MCPS high school was represented in this list of outstanding students.

Timothy Hwang, a senior at Thomas S. Wootton High School and student member of the Montgomery County Board of Education, was named one of two State Scholars in Maryland, the highest level of achievement recognized by The College Board. Students named State Scholars, one boy and one girl in each state and the District of Columbia, earn grades of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP exams, and then, the highest average grade (at least 3.5) on all AP exams taken. Mr. Hwang has taken 22 AP Exams and scored an average of 4.2 out of 5.

The MCPS number of AP Scholars, Scholars with Honor, Scholars with Distinction, and National AP Scholars continues to set record highs. The strong performance on these rigorous exams highlights MCPS’ continuing efforts to encourage a greater number of students to take, and succeed in, AP courses.

In total, 377 students were named National AP Scholars. Students become National AP Scholars by scoring an average grade of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. MCPS had 280 National Advanced Placement Scholars last year, and 121 in 2004, compared with 377 this year.

In addition, 1,888 students (including the National AP Scholars) were designated AP Scholars with Distinction for earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and 3 or higher on five or more exams; 946 were designated AP Scholars with Honor for earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more exams; and 1,748 were named AP Scholars for earning grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.