St. Mary’s Shines on AP Exams

St. Mary’s ranks among the nation’s best high schools for Advanced Placement exam pass rates. Over the last five years, the school has increased AP course offerings, maintained high levels of success, and sent girls to college well-prepared.

“In 2023, St. Mary’s sophomores, juniors, and seniors took 470 AP exams. For comparison, in 2019, our students took 320 exams. This is a 46% increase,” said Director of Studies Dr. Kate Stakem. “What’s remarkable is that, for our seniors, the passing rate has remained the same over the past several years, even though the number of tests taken has increased (87% passing in 2023 versus 89% in 2019).” 

Dr. Rogers, Head of Upper School, adds, “While many schools have grappled with learning losses during the past few years, it is extraordinary that our school offerings have increased the opportunity for students to participate in the AP program while also maintaining the successful outcomes that have long been a hallmark of St. Mary’s.”

Advanced Placement tests began in the 1950s as a way to challenge bright high school students by offering them the opportunity to take college-level courses. Since then, the AP program has boomed nationally, with more than five million test takers annually.

At St. Mary’s, 18 AP courses are offered at school, along with six additional AP courses offered through the school’s online course partner, One Schoolhouse. While St. Mary’s instructors are required to follow specific guidelines when teaching AP courses, most can inject a portion of their own content to add context and better prepare their students. 

“I feel like there are so many AP options for various interests,” said Dr. Stakem. “Our teachers do a beautiful job of supplementing.”

One of the most practical benefits of taking AP exams is the possibility of earning college credits, offsetting the cost of those tuition hours in college. 

"I hope taking AP classes and the corresponding exams will allow me to have an easier transition to the University of Michigan next year,” said Emmie Infeld ’24. “The exams will replace a college class so I can lighten my schedule; alternatively, if I retake the class in the future, having taken the AP course will make the concepts easier to understand.”

St. Mary’s Director of College Counseling Beverly Brooks sees far-reaching benefits outside the test results. 

“AP courses allow students to engage with the challenging, complex curriculum and better understand the expectations of a college class,” said Ms. Brooks. “If you ask our girls, the biggest benefit of AP classes is that it’s where they learn to love certain subjects.”

In fact, St. Mary’s makes it a priority to offer AP courses that align with student interests. For example, over the past few years, St. Mary’s students have shown such interest in One Schoolhouse’s AP Psychology and the new AP African American Studies that those classes will be taught next year in person on campus. 

“We open doors and try to find a way to make our AP classes interesting and accessible to all,” said Ms. Brooks. “It is important to us that Advanced Placement classes are available to all of our students who are excited about the subject. Nationwide, for example, we see students with learning differences hesitate to take AP coursework. At St. Mary’s, however, our teachers work hand-in-hand with Dr. Stakem and Upper School Learning Specialist Christy Askew to ensure our students feel comfortable and confident with that kind of workload.”

For several years, the AP Board has awarded St. Mary’s Platinum Status, the highest level of recognition, because of our number of courses and exceptional passing rate. When asked about the secret to St. Mary’s success, Ms. Brooks immediately recognized the faculty. 

“I credit much of our AP course success to our teachers. In a space where the AP curriculum can feel prescribed, our faculty makes it come alive in ways to which our girls positively respond,” said Ms. Brooks. 

Still, Dr. Stakem and Ms. Brooks insist that the AP courses aim to engage the students and help them hone their interests rather than simply pass the test.

“Our approach is that we want them to take AP courses to challenge themselves; we don't offer courses solely for them to get college credit and save money,” says Dr. Stakem

Ms. Brooks concurs.

“Much like our students are excellent college applicants as a byproduct of their passions, St. Mary's girls achieve strong scores on the exams because of their interest in the material and the strength of our faculty,” says Ms. Brooks. “We have a lot of smarties!”