Once again, schools across Baldwin County have been recognized nationally for their academic success. Most recently, Fairhope High School and Orange Beach High School were among two of 20 schools in Alabama to be included in the National AP (Advanced Placement) school honor roll.

According to a statement released by the Alabama Department of Education on Jan. 4, the national honor roll recognizes schools nationwide that achieve "excellent" results through local AP programs and broaden their achievement.
The honor roll categorizes schools into four levels of distinction: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Per the release, both Fairhope and Orange Beach High School were placed in the "bronze" tier.

"Schools earn this prestigious recognition annually, based on criteria, which reflects local commitment to increasing its college-going culture, providing opportunities for more students to earn college credit and community commitment to maximizing college readiness," the release stated.

For a school to be recognized on the honor roll, the most recent graduating class must meet certain requirements including 40% or more of students taking at least one AP exam during high school, 25% or more of students scoring at least a three on at least one AP exam during high school, and 2% or more taking at least five AP exams during high school.

Additionally, at least one of the exams must be taken in 9th or 10th grade, to distribute the AP experience across multiple grades rather than one single year.

Fairhope High School Principal, Jon Cardwell, said that the recent achievement has not only made him proud, but also his staff, faculty and students.

"Last year our report card [annual state report card] dipped, and my students and teachers found this unacceptable. They answered the call and we rose to one of the highest of schools our size,"

Cardwell said. "We have added additional Advanced Placement courses this year and are looking to add two more AP Courses next year. This recognition from College Board is indicative of our students and faculty's commitment to hard work and excellence in education."

Cardwell said that while he is proud of this accomplishment, his faculty is taking their bronze status as a challenge to improve even more next year.

Additionally, Orange Beach High School Superintendent, Randy Wilkes, said he is also proud of how far his students and teachers have come throughout the past year.

"Orange Beach City Schools is extremely proud of its students, teachers, and AP success for the 2022-2023 school year. The unsolicited receipt of the National AP Honor Roll recognition and the school's placement among some of the state's elite demonstrates the school system's commitment to excellence in the classroom and beyond," Wilkes said. "Of the criteria used, in its first year of existence, the school system narrowly missed achieving 'Silver' status by a mere 2%, setting our sights on this as our next pursuit."