Everett Public Schools Sees Growth in AP Participation & College-qualifying Scores

Everett Public Schools (EPS) students increased both participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the 2024-25 school year, with more students taking exams and earning college-qualifying scores.

In 2024-25, 2,071 students took 3,894 AP courses, and 1,656 students took 3,222 AP exams, representing a 9% increase in course seats and a 17% increase in exams administered compared to last year. The number of students taking AP exams rose 14%.

Student success also climbed. The percentage of AP exams earning a qualifying score of 3 or higher increased from 74.5% last year to 79.4% in 2024-25.

“Advanced Placement courses open doors for students by providing rigorous academic experiences and the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school,” said Jeanne Willard, executive director of college & career readiness. “We are proud to see more students participating and succeeding across our district.”

Schools Earn National Recognition

2025 Henry M. Jackson High School Graduation

For the Class of 2025, three EPS high schools earned distinction on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll:

• Jackson High School earned gold recognition, with 72% of seniors taking at least one AP course, 59% earning a qualifying score, and 31% completing five or more AP exams during high school.
• Everett High School and Cascade High School each earned bronze recognition for meeting benchmarks tied to college culture, college credit, and college readiness.

Sophomores Lead Participation

Tenth-grade students led district participation, with 712 sophomores taking AP courses and 598 taking exams. Nearly half of all sophomores (48%) enrolled in at least one AP course, and 41% took at least one AP exam.

Across grade levels, participation intensity increased. On average, AP students took 1.9 courses and 1.6 exams, and 80% of students enrolled in an AP course also sat for at least one exam. Juniors averaged the highest number of courses and exams per student.

Strong Performance Across Subjects

In 18 AP exams with more than 50 test takers, more than 70% of students earned qualifying scores in subjects including Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Literature, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Physics 1, Psychology, Research, Seminar, U.S. Government and Politics, and U.S. History.

Ninth-grade students showed particularly strong growth, with qualifying scores increasing from 70.5% last year to 90.6% this year.

Continued Progress in Equity and Access

All racial and ethnic student groups increased their qualifying score rates compared to the previous year. Students identifying as African American or Black increased by 8.9%, Asian students increased by 7.2%, and Hispanic or Latino students increased by 5%.

Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Meals increased their qualifying score rate by 9.3%, narrowing achievement gaps. While this group represents 39% of the district’s high school population, 22% took AP courses and 12% took AP exams.

District leaders continue efforts to expand equitable access to advanced coursework and ensure all students are supported in pursuing rigorous academic pathways.