DURHAM – Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and Principal Rebecca Noe are proud to share that Oyster River High School (ORHS) has earned a Bronze distinction on the 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll.

The 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. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

ORHS was judged on criteria including its College Culture, College Credit, and College Optimization, ultimately earning the Bronze distinction. 

ORHS offers AP courses in Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics, Precalculus, Spanish Language, Statistics, and U.S. History. Data shows that ORHS seniors took at least one AP exam, and 75 percent of them scored a 3 or higher on at least one exam; 19 percent of test-taking seniors took 5 or more AP exams.

"Oyster River High School is committed to providing our students with a high-quality education that best prepares them for their lives after high school," said Principal Noe. "This includes offering a variety of AP classes, which prepare them for college-level work. We are proud of our students and their hard work in these college-level courses."

Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. The students who enter four-year colleges with credits from AP accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success. For those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.

"ORHS has a total of 12 AP courses and 12 AP teachers, showing our commitment to make AP access a priority," said Director of Counseling Shannon Caron. "We are proud to be recognized as part of the 2024 AP School Honor Roll."

"Our students have shown time and again their exceptional academic capability. Having access to a variety of AP courses at ORHS helps them to develop their skills and prepares them for their academic journeys beyond high school," said Superintendent Dr. Shaps. "Thank you to the College Board and AP for recognizing us on this year's AP School Honor Roll."