As we turn the calendar to May, with roughly two months remaining in the 2024-2025 school year, exam season has officially begun at our high school. Starting Monday, May 5th, more than 100 students will take part in Advanced Placement testing. For two straight weeks, high schoolers will participate in 11 separate AP exams, including European History, Biology, Government and Politics, English Literature, U.S. History, Macroeconomics, Calculus, Physics 1 and 2, Psychology, and new this year – Music Theory.
“May brings an exciting energy to Maine-Endwell High School as our students rise to the challenge of their Advanced Placement exams. These assessments mark the culmination of an entire year of rigorous academic work alongside their teachers and peers, and they play a critical role in preparing students for their future academic and professional pursuits. Each exam is a stepping stone toward the future our students dream of and work hard to achieve,” said Mark Wilson, High School Principal.
In total, students will take part in 135 AP exams over the next two weeks, with 58 students taking AP European History and AP Biology exams respectively on day one. As a district, we’re excited to provide opportunities for students to stand out– showcasing their true talents and abilities to potential colleges or employers as they graduate. According to AP data, 60% of colleges mention using AP scores for class credit and/or placement. Advanced Placement exams are also nationally recognized, offering potential college credits, scholarship opportunities, and much more.
“Advanced Placement classes are a proud cornerstone of our academic offerings. They open doors to new opportunities, are recognized by colleges across the country, and empower our students to push their limits, discover their passions, and prepare for the bright futures that await them,” said Wilson.
For the first time, the cost of all AP exams will be covered by the district, removing any barriers that might stand in the way of a student achieving their upmost success. While we currently offer six Advanced Placement classes, high schoolers have the ability to take part in specific AP exams, even if they aren’t enrolled in the class. For AP Government and Politics teacher Rachel Murat, Advanced Placement testing is providing students with important tools that can be used far beyond their high school careers.
“AP Government and Politics helps students have a better understanding of the functions of government, their role in it and how they can be civically engaged. Understanding that their vote counts, how to hold their elected officials accountable and how to have a civil conversation with someone who disagrees with you helps to prepare students for life after high school,” said Rachel Murat, AP Government and Politics Teacher.
AP English Literature teacher Mike Lurenz says the Advanced Placement exam for his class, which includes 55 multiple choice questions and three essays, demonstrates an important understanding of the skills needed to succeed at the next level of education.
“Successful performance on the AP English Literature and Composition exam is a testament to a student’s close reading abilities; critical thinking skills; getting the central idea of the text quickly; synthesizing complex, interrelated textual details; and then delivering coherent, sophisticated, and eloquent essay responses. All of these skills—not the least of which is time management itself--are critical for college and career; undergraduate schools recognize the rigor inherent in the AP English curriculum and, depending on the exam score, will award some college credits,” said Mike Lurenz, AP English Literature Teacher.
New this year - Maine-Endwell High School teacher Kristi Ruffo is offering an Advanced Placement Music Theory class. In just a few short months, it’s allowed students looking to pursue music in the future a chance to get a leg up in their careers as they head to the next level, whether it be performing, producing, or even teaching.
“I'm really excited to be able to offer AP Music Theory this year. Students in any area of music will have strong skills after being in the class. If they are planning to major, minor, or choose any field of music, they should have this class in their schedule. Even if they're not planning to pursue music as a career, they'll be a role model in their current ensembles and I hope, involvement with music in their future,” said Kristi Ruffo, AP Music Theory Teacher.
Next year, we’re excited to offer three new AP classes, in addition to our six current ones. Offerings will include AP U.S. History, AP Drawing, and AP 3D Design. Currently, 75 students are signed up for AP U.S. History, which will in turn be offered in three separate sections to meet the demand. Our drawing and 3D design classes are our first step in expanding our STEAM offerings.
It is our goal that when a student graduates, they will have been challenged to reach their fullest potential, while provided with more opportunities than they could ever ask for. Expansions of AP offerings will only continue our goal of offering a premier educational experience to each student. We wish our students the best of luck in their AP exams.