Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools
Westfield High School (WHS) has been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Gold Status in recognition of its strong academic performance and expanding access to rigorous, college-level coursework.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program enables students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both – while still in high school.
The AP School Honor Roll, developed by the College Board, recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening participation. Schools are evaluated on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities to earn college credit, and supporting student readiness for success beyond high school.
For the 2024-2025 school year, a conservative estimate shows that WHS AP students earned enough credit hours to save families at least $2.1 million in college tuition. This estimate is based on IU Bloomington’s current average cost of $392 per credit hour and an assumed average of three credit hours per AP course; because some AP courses award 5, 6, or 8 credit hours, total tuition savings for Westfield families could be as high as $3,876,000.
WHS’s AP program continues to grow in both participation and achievement. In 2025, 1,146 students took a total of 2,067 AP exams, with 87 percent earning a score of 3 or higher. Additionally, 63 percent of the Class of 2025 passed at least one AP exam during their time at WHS. This growth trend continues, with 1,345 students currently registered to take 2,542 AP exams this May.
“Westfield High School has created a dynamic culture that encourages students to stretch themselves through college credit opportunities such as AP,” said Ralph Robinson, AP Micro/Macro Economics Teacher at Westfield High School. “Our students repeatedly have stepped up to the challenge and have made our school a leader in student rigor and grit. Our kids are absolutely amazing.”
WHS currently offers 32 AP courses, taught by 34 dedicated AP teachers, ensuring students have broad access to challenging coursework across disciplines. Participation has increased each year as more students take advantage of AP opportunities and prepare for college-level expectations.
“AP courses are a great way for students to prepare for the courses they will take in college! They are college-level courses that allow students to experience what rigorous college courses are like,” WHS Counselor Christy Ulsas said. “As an additional benefit, students may also be able to earn college credits through their AP exams, which may be able to save them time and money in college. Westfield’s AP Program has grown tremendously throughout the years, and we have an excellent group of AP teachers preparing students for their next steps.”
From a district perspective, the recognition highlights a culture of academic rigor and persistence.
“Achievement is not just about the final score; it’s about the unwavering commitment to academic rigor and the courage to meet every challenge head-on,” said Dr. Ryan Hoover, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning. “By earning AP Gold Status, WHS students and faculty have proven that excellence is not an act, but a habit. This is a testament to their dedication and resilience.”
