What is the School Recognition Award by College Board?
The School Recognition Award is a prestigious honor granted by the College Board (the organization behind SAT, PSAT, and AP programs). It acknowledges high schools that have successfully:
Increased access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Improved performance in AP exams.
Promoted equity for underrepresented students (low-income, Black, Latino, Native, etc.).
Types of College Board Recognition for Schools
There are three major recognitions under the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Gold | For schools with 40%+ AP participation, 25%+ scoring 3+, and 2+ years of data. |
| Silver | For schools with slightly lower thresholds in participation and performance. |
| Bronze | For schools showing promising improvements and equity efforts. |
Why is this Award Important?
National Recognition
Schools that win this award get highlighted in national directories, boosting their reputation.College Readiness Credibility
Colleges recognize award-winning schools as those that prioritize college prep.Motivates Teachers & Students
Awards fuel academic culture, motivating educators and students alike.Funding & Grants
Recognized schools are often eligible for state-level grants or partnership opportunities.
Who Qualifies?
To be considered for the School Recognition Award, a high school must:
Offer AP or Pre-AP programs.
Submit data through the College Board.
Show consistent improvement in:
AP course participation
Student exam performance
Closing equity gaps
Criteria for 2025 Recognition (Latest Update)
As per College Board’s latest update, schools are evaluated based on:
% of students taking at least one AP course
% of students scoring 3 or higher
% of underrepresented students participating
Growth over a 2-year span
Teacher training and development efforts
How Are Schools Recognized?
Digital Badge – Awarded to use on the school website and marketing.
Official Certificate – Sent to school administration.
Media Coverage – Featured on College Board’s Honor Roll portal and local press.
Social Media Mentions – The College Board tags and promotes top-performing schools.
Benefits for Students
Confidence in knowing their school supports college prep.
Access to AP courses without bias or exclusion.
Higher chances of college admission and scholarships.
Eligibility for AP Capstone Diploma programs.
Timeline for 2025 School Recognition Awards
| Phase | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Data Submission | April–June 2025 |
| Evaluation Period | July–August 2025 |
| Honor Roll Announcement | September 2025 |
| Recognition Packages | October 2025 onward |
Real Example: How One School Achieved the Award
Greenwood High School (Texas) was awarded Gold status in 2024 after:
Increasing AP participation from 30% to 55%.
Launching a mentorship program for underrepresented students.
Offering weekend AP workshops and teacher bootcamps.
Their secret? Inclusive policies + consistent support.
FAQs
Q1. Is there any cost involved?
No. The award is recognition-based and free of cost.
Q2. Do private schools qualify?
Yes. Both public and private high schools can qualify if they meet the criteria.
Q3. How can a school apply?
Schools don’t apply directly. The College Board automatically evaluates schools using AP data submitted.