Early AP Results Show Strong Momentum Across PCD Classrooms

In AP Physics 1, every student who sat for the exam earned a perfect score of 5. For teacher Jenny Kostka, those results reflect both the hard work that students put in as well as her goal to “make the classroom feel like a safe space to try challenging things, make mistakes, and figure stuff out.”

In AP U.S. History, long regarded as one of the more demanding AP courses nationally, students posted a class average of 4. AP Government students weren't far behind, averaging 3.86.

"My main objective in teaching both APUSH and AP Gov. is to push students to think critically,” shared PCD Upper School teacher Kelly Hutchinson. “To succeed at this level of historical study requires students to move beyond memorizing facts to the point where they can confidently and intelligently explain cause and effect relationships and see the bigger picture of how the past shapes the present. I always say to them, ‘Don't just tell me what happened, tell me WHY it happened.’ From day one my methods are focused on achieving that goal and every assessment they take for me mirrors what they will ultimately see on the College Board Exam in the spring. Students often express feeling overwhelmed by this push in the first trimester, but by the winter they settle in, and by the spring they are thriving. I am always glad to see such strong scores come back in July, as it proves to them that their consistency and effort paid off. "

Additionally, in AP English Literature, all students that took the exam scored a 4 or 5. According to AP English Lit. teacher Haley Crockett, that success was the result of careful preparation. "Students constantly read, discuss, present, debate, annotate, and revise in class. We practiced each of the three essay prompt types throughout the year and students had to write the essays under time constraints, just like the AP test. The timing is so challenging, and it's important to understand what 40 minutes feels like. I have taught the class for four years, and this was the most in-class, on-demand writing we've done. All the students had experiences with misreading a prompt or misreading a poem and scoring poorly at some point during the school year. Through these challenges, as they learned from their mistakes, they gained resiliency."

Results like these are consistent with how PCD approaches rigor across the board: students are encouraged to challenge themselves and supported by teachers who know them well.

"Congratulations to our students and faculty on these early results," said Head of School Kevin Folan. "Our goal is to help students engage deeply in their learning and develop the skills they need to succeed. It is great to see that reflected here."

AP exam results continue to come in, and PCD will share more as they are finalized. At PCD, outcomes like these point to a steady commitment to thoughtful teaching, meaningful relationships, and students willing to put in the work.