Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is proud to announce that 18 of 25 district high schools have been recognized on the prestigious 2023 AP School Honor Roll. This achievement highlights the district’s commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and preparing students for college, career and community. 

The Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll is a recognition program across the U.S. and Canada that demonstrates important achievement in their AP programs. These schools have committed to expanding access to college credit opportunities and maximizing college readiness for their students.

“AP represents an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, earn college credit and, importantly, learn at high levels,” said Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight. “This is a wonderful recognition of staff in all of our high schools working hard to prioritize rigorous learning, including in Advanced Placement and other challenging courses available to our students.”

Of the 4,570 schools recognized on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll, 18 MCPS high schools have excelled in AP participation and successful course completion. For a school to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll, it must be located within the U.S. or Canada and meet the following criteria:

• College Culture: 40% or more of the graduating class took at least one AP Exam in high school. 

• College Credit: 25% or more of the graduating class scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam in high school.

• College Optimization: 2% or more of the graduating class took five or more AP exams in high school, with at least one of those exams taken in 9th or 10th grade.

MCPS high schools have been recognized at various levels on the AP School Honor Roll.

Three schools achieved the Platinum level:

• Walt Whitman HS
• Winston Churchill HS
• Poolesville HS

Three schools earned the Gold level recognition:

• Walter Johnson HS
• Northwest HS
• Richard Montgomery HS

Nine schools were honored with the Silver level distinction:

• Springbrook HS
• Albert Einstein HS
• Clarksburg HS
• Colonel Zadok Magruder HS
• James Hubert Blake HS
• Montgomery Blair HS
• Quince Orchard HS
• Rockville HS
• Sherwood HS

Three schools received the Bronze level recognition:

• Northwood HS
• Wheaton HS
• ​Paint Branch HS

Research has consistently shown that students participating in AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. 

Data shows more than 73 percent of students who took the AP exam during the 2022-2023 school year scored a 3 or higher, representing a trend of similar success over time.  

For more information about the AP School Honor Roll, see these resources.

Main AP Central website

Full List of Schools

List of Maryland Schools

Learn more about Advanced Placement courses in MCPS.

About Montgomery County Public Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is the largest school system in Maryland, serving approximately 162,000 students. MCPS is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students, preparing them for success in college, career and community.

###