The College Board formally named North an AP (Advanced Placement) Honor Roll school on Nov. 7 by honoring it with its Bronze Award distinction.

Out of 15,150 eligible schools in the United States and Canada, only nine percent were awarded a Bronze award.  

Additionally, North was awarded the AP Access Award which honors schools that show commitment to offering advanced coursework.

“Schools on the AP School Honor Roll may also earn the AP Access Award, honoring schools that demonstrate a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework” according to AP Central on the College Board site.

Only 25 schools in Illinois received both distinctions.

According to the College Board site, “Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.” 

This award replaces the AP District Honor Roll award. North is the only District 202 school to receive an AP Honor Roll award this year. This is also the first time North has won a school award for Advanced Placement from the College Board.

“Being recognized by the College Board is a testament to the collective efforts and commitment by our students and staff,” Associate Principal Stan Bertoni said.

A U.S. school must meet three qualifications to be recognized: 40 percent or more of the graduating class takes at least one AP exam during high school, 25 percent or more of the graduating class scores a three or higher on at least one AP exam and two percent or more of the graduating class took five or more AP exams according to the College Board.

“Students should be proud that their hard work is being recognized on a National level,” Bertoni said.

North offers 25 AP classes, and students have the option to take exams in courses that aren’t offered if they choose to self-study. In 2023, 550 North students enrolled in AP courses.  

“This award continues to demonstrate that by encouraging and supporting all of our students in

Advanced Placement classes, they can be successful,” Bertoni said.

District 202 Director of High School Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kate Morris, recognizes North students for accomplishing this achievement. 

“It speaks volumes for the students who take risks and possibly try an AP course for the first time, or continue with rigorous coursework during their final year of high school,” Morris said.

Morris also acknowledges teachers and staff for their dedication to student excellence.

“Plainfield North High School teachers spend countless hours providing engaging instruction

and frequent feedback to best help students and prepare them for the exams in the spring,” Morris said.

AP Statistics teacher Alison Prosser is also proud of North’s AP Program.

“We have a lot of good teachers with a lot of experience that have done work to make sure that their programs meet the needs of our students to do well on AP tests,” Prosser said. “The students here work really hard to make sure they’re prepared for the tests as well.”

The College Board offers four awards annually based on each school’s AP Program success, including the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards.

Bertoni says this distinction shows how AP classes contribute to the overall success of North students. 

“Our students have always worked hard and taken pride in what they do here at Plainfield North,” Bertoni said. “This is reflected not only in this award but also the success of our band, choir, sports teams, and clubs and activities.”