Hinsdale D86's AP Participation Revealed

HINSDALE, IL – About 36 percent of students in Hinsdale High School District 86 took Advanced Placement courses last school year.

The rates were 40 percent at Hinsdale Central and 32 percent at Hinsdale South.

Advanced Placement courses prepare students for exams that result in college credit.

In a statement, South Principal Patrick Hardy noted his school was recently named to the College Board's Advanced Placement honor roll's silver status for last school year.

"The Honor Roll is relevant because it recognizes schools that are committed to welcoming more students into AP courses and supporting them on their journey to college success," Hardy said.

The school also received the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, which recognizes schools for expanding girls' access to AP Computer Science Principles.

"While South is proud of the acknowledgments, the school understands that challenges remain as they relate specifically to expanding enrollment for underserved students," Hardy said. "For example, of the total number of AP 'slots' last year, African American students comprised only 3%, and Hispanic students accounted for 9.5%. This year is similar. Of the total number of AP slots, African American students comprise 3.8%, and Hispanic students represent 10.3%."

Hardy noted these challenges in comments to the school board last week.

In the same statement, Central Principal Bill Walsh said 96 percent of this year's graduates were expected to attend two- or four-year institutions in the fall.

"The work of our students and staff to prepare these students for that post-secondary experience begins in our classrooms and includes enrolling in honors and Advanced Placement coursework," Walsh said.

In the 2023 Advanced Placement exam cycle, he said, Central administered 2,490 tests to 958 students.

"The number of students enrolled in an honors or advanced placement course well exceeds the number of AP exams administered, and we will continue to identify students who can benefit from and excel in such classes," Walsh said.

Source: Hinsdale High School District 86