Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools earn a spot on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll for academic excellence

Wade Jennings November 9, 2024

Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School have been named to the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll

Okaloosa County, Florida – The Okaloosa County School District is celebrating a significant milestone as Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School have been named to the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll. This acknowledgement is evidence of the commitment and efforts of administrators, teachers, and students who have worked tirelessly to produce an atmosphere supporting academic success and college readiness. Earning a seat on the AP School Honor Roll is not trivial especially considering the strict standards and high expectations established by the College Board. Reflecting their dedication to strong academic standards and college-oriented learning opportunities, both institutions received the “Silver”award.

What it means to be on the AP School Honor Roll

Schools that exceed expectations in their Advanced Placement (AP) programs—giving students the tools and support required to complete college-level courses—are eligible for the AP School Honor Roll. Schools that receive this honor are known for creating a culture that emphasizes college readiness, provides methods for students to obtain college credit while still in high school, and gets ready them for future academic achievement.

Four degrees of distinction— Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—are included on the AP Honor Roll from the College Board; each level calls for institutions to fulfill strict criteria. With their accomplishments in enabling a wide spectrum of students to attend advanced education, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools received the “Silver” designation.

Criteria for the Silver Honor Roll Distinction

Schools fighting for a spot on the AP Honor Roll have to satisfy specific requirements determined by the performance of their most recent graduating class. These criteria, according to the College Board, seek to pinpoint institutions actively supporting a college-going culture. First, at least 40 percent of the graduating class had to have taken at least one AP test during their high school years. Second, at least 25% of the graduating class must to have scored 3 or above on an AP test, the cutoff many universities demand for credit evaluation.

To show continuous engagement in AP courses, at least 2% of the graduating class should have taken five or more AP examinations spanning many grade levels, including one exam in the 9th or 10th grade. By proudly meeting all these standards, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools have positioned themselves as leaders in the county and models in academic progress.

Spotlight on Niceville and Fort Walton Beach high schools’ achievements

The acknowledgement of both high schools indicates the faculty and student effort. Long known for their dedication to excellence, Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School have just received acclaim for their continuous efforts to equip students for the challenges of college and beyond. These colleges are not only promoting academic excellence but also a supportive environment that motivates students to challenge themselves and realize their potential by satisfying the criteria set by the College Board. Years of effort, teamwork, and AP program investment contributed to this achievement.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers responded to the announcement expressing his gratitude for all those engaged and his pride.

“We congratulate the students and staff of Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School for this remarkable accomplishment,” stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their hard work has not only earned this recognition but also set a high standard for academic excellence within our district.” He emphasized that this achievement is a shared success, reflecting the efforts of educators, students, and families working together to promote high standards and a focus on academic growth.

Setting the standard for academic excellence in Okaloosa County

Having Niceville and Fort Walton Beach High Schools on the AP Honor Roll sends a good model for other Okaloosa County schools. It demonstrates how well schools can make college-level courses available to a wide spectrum of students given the correct tools, support, and determination. Through their dedication to advanced placement courses, these institutions are enabling students to pursue demanding subjects, earn college credit, and acquire useful skills that will be of great benefit in higher education.

This success also shows the district’s larger dedication to academic excellence and college preparation. AP classes and other programs are crucial for getting students ready for post-secondary education; by encouraging AP participation, Okaloosa County School District is making sure that students have the tools they need to thrive after high school. The district’s success with AP programming offers a paradigm of how a strong, cooperative approach may produce significant academic achievements.

A future of continued excellence

Both Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School are already looking ahead as they celebrate their position on the AP School Honor Roll. They are dedicated to upholding and growing their AP programs so that students will always have chances to interact with courses at the college level. This success reminds us of what is possible when students are given tools to help them to fulfill their objectives and encouraged to aim for perfection.

The Okaloosa County School District reaffirms its commitment to building an academic success and college ready culture in light of this acknowledgement. As other district schools look to Niceville and Fort Walton Beach as models, the significance of this accomplishment will surely be felt throughout Okaloosa County, motivating teachers and students both to strive higher and work more.

Wade Jennings November 9, 2024