St. Mary’s Ryken High School in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, earned the College Board’s highest recognition for Advanced Placement (AP) programs on October 10, 2024. The Platinum Distinction acknowledges outstanding faculty and student achievement and equity in AP course performance for the Class of 2024.
Principal Catherine Bowes emphasized the school’s Catholic mission to nurture knowledge, faith, and character. “As a Catholic school, we are deeply committed to our promise to each family—to nurture every student’s knowledge, faith, and character growth,” Bowes said. “Our mission is to equip them with the skills and values necessary for success in college and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future that awaits them.”
Class of 2024 AP Achievements
The Class of 2024’s accomplishments include 81 percent taking at least one AP exam, 58 percent scoring 3 or higher on at least one AP exam, and 33 percent taking five or more AP exams. St. Mary’s Ryken offers 29 AP courses to students. To view the complete list, visit St. Mary’s Ryken AP courses.
School President Rick Wood highlighted the financial and academic benefits of the AP program. “The average 3-credit course at a four-year college is $4,000. Access to our AP program translates into college savings and advanced access to college courses,” Wood said. He added, “We are honored to be among the few schools in the U.S. and Canada to receive the Platinum Distinction, reaffirming that an SMR education is a wise investment in a child’s future success.”
MSB Take
St. Mary’s Ryken High School’s achievement of the College Board’s Platinum Distinction for AP Excellence highlights both academic rigor and a commitment to equity. The school’s strong AP participation and performance for the Class of 2024 demonstrate its effective preparation of students for college-level work. Additionally, this distinction underscores the value families receive through college cost savings and earlier access to college credits. The integration of Catholic values with scholastic achievement continues to provide a solid foundation for students’ future success.
Source: Original report
