Thomas Jefferson High School’ s AP Program Reaches Historic Highs
By Assistant Principal, Adam Knaresborough, Ed. D.
Thomas Jefferson High School( TJHS) is celebrating a record-breaking year for its Advanced Placement( AP) Program, marking significant milestones in both participation and performance. Advanced Placement is a globally recognized curriculum developed by the College Board, that offers high school students the opportunity to take rigorous, college-level courses across a variety of subjects. Each course culminates in a comprehensive exam, and students who earn qualifying scores can receive college credit, advanced placement, or both.
From 2020 to 2025, the cost of an AP exam ranged from $ 94 to $ 99. To reduce the financial burden on families and increase equity in access to these opportunities, TJHS has provided the AP Exam Fee Reimbursement Incentive Program with the support of the WJHSD Board of Directors and Administration. Through this initiative, students who earn a score of 3, 4, or 5( scale 1-5) on their AP exams are reimbursed for the cost of each exam. This program not only eases financial stress for families but also motivates students to perform at their highest level, providing them with a chance to earn college credit at no cost.
Since 2020, TJHS has prioritized expanding access to AP courses. A key turning point came with the school’ s strategic partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative( NMSI), which provided teacher training, instructional resources, and support to strengthen AP instruction and assessment practices. As part of this ongoing improvement plan, TJHS also launched the AP Scholar Wall, an academic recognition display that celebrates students who achieve success on their AP exams. Each spring, the school hosts an AP Scholar Ceremony, honoring student achievements in front of families and friends.
The results of these initiatives are impressive. Between 2021 and 2025, the number of AP students at TJHS increased from 191 to 262. During that same period, the number of AP exams administered grew from 312 to 504. Most notably, the number of students earning college-qualifying scores( 3 +) rose from 133 in 2021 to 222 in 2025, a 67 % increase. The percentage of students achieving college qualifying scores also jumped from 70 % to 85 %, demonstrating a marked improvement in student outcomes.
Looking ahead to the 2025 – 26 school year, TJHS will continue its momentum by introducing two new AP courses: AP Computer Science Principles, taught by Ms. McCann, and AP Precalculus, taught by Ms. Sosanko. These additions reflect the school’ s ongoing commitment to broadening academic opportunities and preparing students for college and career success. With expanded course offerings, improved instructional practices, and meaningful recognition of student achievement, the AP Program at Thomas Jefferson High School has reached historic heights. Most importantly, it is empowering students to gain the confidence to engage in college-level coursework while in high school. The students are developing their critical thinking and communication skills to be successful in their post-secondary endeavors. College and career readiness in the making!
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The Thomas Jefferson Alumni Network celebrates the proud legacy of our graduates and looks ahead to the continued success of future generations. We invite all TJ alumni and community supporters to be part of this exciting journey. Membership is free and open to all graduates of Thomas Jefferson High School, as well as friends and supporters of the West Jefferson Hills community. To join, simply email WJHSDalumni @ wjhsd. net to complete your registration today!
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