Spring Branch ISD Featured News

To prepare for college-level classes and receive college credit, high school students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes. 

During the 2021-22 school year, 689 Spring Branch ISD high school students earned recognition as AP scholars, granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. 

“We are always amazed by the students that not only go above and beyond with their studies but also in multiple areas,” said Amy Ellingson, Spring Branch ISD facilitator for Advanced Academic Studies. “These AP scores translate into hundreds of hours of college credit for these students and represent thousands of dollars of saved college tuition.” 

The College Board chooses award winners based on their test scores. This year, there were four additional award categories: International Diploma, Capstone Diploma, Scholar with Distinction and Scholar with Honor. 

SBISD had one International Diploma award winner, which is awarded to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines. There were nine students who received a Capstone Diploma, granted to students who earned scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on 4 additional AP exams of their choosing. 

There were also 110 students who were designated as AP Scholars with Honor, granted to students who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. An additional 309 were AP Scholars with Distinction, as they received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. 

“Students who take college level courses in high school are much more likely to graduate on time or early from college,” added Ellingson. “This is encouraging not only to us as educators but also to their parents.” 

Students excelling in their AP exams reinforce the district’s T-2-4 vision of having every SBISD graduate attain a technical certificate, military training or a two-year or four-year degree. 

To learn more about AP Scholar awards, visit College Board.