The Helena Public School District recently was awarded with a spot on the Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll District by College Board. In short, we are one of the top 250 districts across the nation in terms of the increase in students taking on AP classes and how our students are performing in those classes based on a national bar for rigor. These factors are assessed over a three-year period to determine whether a district qualifies for the award.

This is the eighth year in the last ten the Helena School District has received this recognition – an impressive feat. To put it into perspective, the next closest districts in Montana have received a spot on the Honor Roll only twice.

According to District Superintendent, Dr. Tyler Ream, “This is a significant accomplishment as there are only a few opportunities to benchmark across the nation. To be one of the top 250 performers in this regard should be a significant point of pride for everyone in Helena. The credit certainly goes to our students for taking on these challenging courses, to our educators for their efforts in leading the way, and to our parents and families for the support they provide.”

The value of AP classes has been researched and proven for students entering further education and the workforce post-graduation. According to College Board, “AP students learn essential time management and study skills needed for college and career success. They dig deeper into subjects that interest them and learn to tap their creativity and their problem-solving skills to address course challenges.”

The Helena School District currently offers 18 AP classes at our high schools.