Deer Lakes recognized for academic achievement in AP courses

Work to increase Advanced Placement courses at Deer Lakes High School is paying off.

The high school recently earned the AP School Honor Roll bronze award, district spokesman Shawn Annarelli said. Only 30% of the more than 15,000 eligible schools in the United States and Canada earned the recognition.

“We are elated to be honored and could not be prouder of our students and teachers,” said Ryan Aleski, high school principal. “This award is also a reflection of our district’s families and their support of our students and academic programs.”

For a school to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll, 40% of its graduating class must take at least one AP exam, with 25% scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam and 2% taking five or more AP exams during high school.

At Deer Lakes, 60% of the most recent graduating class participated in at least one AP course, 6% took at least five AP courses and 25% scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.

Aleski said the high school does not have a recruitment process for students to take AP courses. Counselors discuss scheduling with students who may take AP courses based on their academics, interests and goals.

“Student interest dictates AP course growth and availability. With interest in AP course options steadily increasing, the high school has added seven AP courses in the last nine years,” Aleski said.

“Administration and staff also explore new elective course options to provide a broad range of educational programming for all students to be prepared for college and career pathways.”

In the Pittsburgh area, Avonworth, Fox Chapel Area and North Allegheny high schools also earned the honor roll recognition.