Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School (SJND) has earned two prestigious recognitions by the College Board for its Advanced Placement (AP) program. SJND earned platinum recognition on the AP School Honor Roll and received the AP Access Award, the latter of which honors schools that encourage low-income and underrepresented students to take AP courses.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success according to the College Board.
“The recognition from the College Board is a sign of affirmation for our faculty and staff who work so hard to help our students,” said SJND Vice Principal Andy McKee. “It is also a great indicator that we provide an excellent academic experience for our students as we strive to develop confident, open-minded, and effective leaders who are ready to live joyful lives of faith, scholarship, and service.”
The recognitions were well deserved in light of the achievements of SJND’s 2023 graduating class. Members of the class were accepted to an impressive array of colleges and universities, including Columbia University, Brown University, Yale University, Stanford University, Santa Clara University, Boston University, Villanova University, the United States Naval Academy, many schools in the UC system, and stellar community colleges known for facilitating transfers to four-year universities.
Not only are the college destinations impressive, but members of the class of 2023 were offered more than $9.1 million in scholarships to pursue their studies. Truly, SJND graduates are in demand and are sought after by some of the best universities in the country. (See the full list of the schools to which they were accepted.)
Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. The students who enter four-year colleges with credit from AP courses accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success. Even for those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.
“We know it takes a significant schoolwide effort—dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents—to make AP access a priority,” wrote Trevor Packer, head of AP and instruction at the College Board, in his October 2 letter of recognition to SJND Vice Principal McKee. “We join you in celebrating this inspiring achievement for your community. Again, congratulations! I’m inspired by your commitment and grateful for the chance to honor your success.”
SJND is currently accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year. To learn more about SJND and to see a roster of upcoming events, including the school’s October 22 Open House, go to the Visit SJND website.
Jim Muyo is Director of Communications and Marketing at SJND.
