By 1808Delaware
All four high schools in Olentangy Local schools have been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, a national recognition that highlights schools where Advanced Placement programs are opening doors and delivering real results for students.
The designation comes from the College Board, which evaluates how well schools expand access to college level coursework and how effectively students perform on AP exams. The honor roll measures participation, success rates, and a school’s overall commitment to building a strong college going culture.
A Districtwide Achievement
Every Olentangy high school met the core benchmark of having more than 60 percent of seniors take at least one AP exam before graduation. That level of participation places the district among the most engaged in the state when it comes to advanced academic opportunities.
Each building also earned a specific level of distinction based on student performance:
- Olentangy Berlin High School received Silver honors. Half of its seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 16 percent of seniors completed five or more AP courses.
- Olentangy High School earned Gold honors with 56 percent of seniors scoring a three or higher and 22 percent taking five or more exams.
- Olentangy Liberty High School also reached Gold status. Sixty one percent of seniors earned a score of three or higher, and 24 percent completed five or more AP courses.
- Olentangy Orange High School rounded out the group with Gold honors as well. Sixty percent of seniors scored a three or higher, and 22 percent took five or more exams.
Why the Honor Matters
The AP School Honor Roll is more than a trophy for a display case. College Board leaders say the recognition reflects schools that give students a chance to experience college level rigor while still in familiar surroundings. Research consistently shows that students who succeed in AP courses are more likely to persist in college and complete a degree. Earning a score of three or higher can translate into college credit, saving families money and allowing students to move more quickly into advanced coursework once they arrive on campus.
Olentangy Schools currently offer AP classes across 27 subjects, ranging from calculus and biology to history, languages, and the arts. District leaders credit teachers who take on the demanding coursework and students willing to challenge themselves.
Preparing for What Comes Next
Advanced Placement courses are designed to teach more than facts and formulas. Students practice building arguments, analyzing complex texts, and approaching problems from multiple angles. Those habits, educators say, are exactly what students will need after graduation, whether they head to a university, the workforce, or military service.
With all four high schools recognized in the same year, the district sees the honor as confirmation that its approach is working. Access has widened, expectations remain high, and students continue to rise to the challenge. For families considering AP options in the coming years, the message from Olentangy is clear. Opportunity is there, support is in place, and the results show what students can achieve when they step into demanding classrooms with confidence.
