Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central high schools were among 239 high schools in Georgia that were named Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools in 2022 by State School Superintendent Richard Woods in an announcement Thursday, March 31.

“We are proud to have both of our traditional high schools recognized as Advanced Placement Honor Schools,” said CCSD superintendent Dr. Xernona Thomas. “Our students and teachers have demonstrated the benefits of a strong focus and commitment to learning. Participation in these accelerated courses helps to increase opportunities for our students' postsecondary success.

The 2022 AP Honor Schools are named in eight categories, based on the results of 2021 AP courses and exams. 

Cedar Shoals was named both an AP Access and Support School and an AP STEM School, continuing a run of several straight years with both honors. AP Access and Support Schools have at least 30% of their AP exams taken by students who identified themselves as African-American and/or Hispanic and have 30% of all AP exams earning score 3 or higher. AP STEM Schools have a minimum of five students test in at least four AP STEM courses (AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles).

“The driving force behind student achievement continues to be the courage to face education unafraid and believe they can overcome any obstacles before them,” said Cedar Shoals principal Antonio Derricotte. “This recognition is another testament to our students' tireless energy, dedication, and fortitude. We celebrate their AP recognition and thank the Georgia Department of Education for honoring the intellectual promise of students aspiring for lifelong learning.”

Clarke Central has also been named an AP STEM School several years running and has also been recognized multiple times as an AP STEM School With Distinction, most recently in 2021. 

“The AP recognition by the Georgia Department of Education is a reflection of our students' desire to immerse themselves in a challenging learning environment,” said Clarke Central principal Dr. Swade Huff. “We salute each of them for their commitment to excellence, which will prepare them for a successful postsecondary transition.”