BSM Earns Gold AP School Honor

Written by Marketing & Communications EPIC intern Isabella Yacoub '25

Recently, Benilde-St. Margaret's was named a gold level advanced placement (AP) school by College Board for the 2023-24 school year. BSM is one of eight schools in Minnesota to receive this honor. BSM will also be inducted into the AP school honor roll for its dedication to setting high academic standards for students.

According to AP College Board, "AP school honor roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success." BSM values the importance of encouraging students to push themselves in taking difficult courses, guiding them toward academic excellence and an accelerated path to college readiness. 

Amanda Anderson, BSM's AP coordinator, stated, "Taking an AP class means students have the experience of taking a college-level course, which allows them to envision themselves succeeding in college with confidence."

73% of Red Knights in the Class of 2024 enrolled in an AP course, exceeding the AP gold level minimum of at least 65% of students enrolled in a college-level course. Furthermore, 59% of those students scored a three or higher on the AP exams in the spring, falling well beyond the platinum category of at least 50%. Finally, BSM's college optimization, or students' readiness for college by taking at least five AP courses was 18%, also landing in the platinum category. 

BSM continues to explore ways to expand their current 24 AP course offerings by providing a variety of options for students looking to take a college-level class. "BSM has worked over the last decade to increase our number of AP courses and give all students access to these advanced opportunities with few limitations," Anderson said.

Benilde-St. Margaret's is dedicated to its promise of being a college preparatory school, giving Red Knights an education that ensures they will thrive during their time at BSM and beyond.