High school students in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) led the state in both participation and achievement levels on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations last year, earning the potential for gaining college credit through the most rigorous high school curricula available, according to figures released today by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

MCPS students comprised more than 28 percent of the 12,372 Maryland public school students taking AP exams in 1997-98. AP exams taken in the county represent 32 percent of the total number taken in Maryland school districts.

The 3,525 MCPS students taking AP examinations represent 10.8 percent of the county's grade nine through 12 enrollment, the highest percentage of participation among local jurisdictions. The statewide participation averages 5.6 percent of high school enrollment.

Of the 6,118 AP examinations taken by county students (an average of 1.7 per candidate), 83 percent earned scores of three or more, high enough for potential college credit. This compares with a Maryland average of 71 percent.