For the 2023-2024 school year, St. Mary’s Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Maryland has the distinction of being the only high school among all 18 high schools in Southern Maryland to be honored with Gold Status on the national College Board’s AP (Advanced Placement) School Honor Roll.

In addition, the school – sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers – is the only high school within The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington to receive the distinction. With the honor, St. Mary’s Ryken is among the top 6 percent of all schools in the nation that received the prestigious AP School Honor Roll Gold recognition.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools “whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.” 

For a school to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll in a given year, it must have 40 percent or more of the graduating cohort take at least 1 AP exam during high school; have 25 percent or more of the graduating cohort score a 3 or higher on at least 1 AP exam during high school; and have 2 percent or more of the graduating cohort took 5 or more AP exams during high school.

In 2022-23, 70 percent of enrolled students took at least one AP exam.

“We are very proud of the efforts of our teachers and students,” said Brad Chamberlain, dean of academics at St. Mary’s Ryken. These results reflect a years-long accumulated effort by many elements of our community. It is gratifying to see this growth recognized in this format.”

The recipients represent a broad range of high schools from across the United States and Canada. They include private, public, and charter schools; large and small student bodies; rural and urban populations; and specialized high schools, along with generalized programs. 

“Our students are hard-working and good young people.  Their teachers lead with expertise and focus, and they achieve, said Catherine Bowes, principal of the school. “St. Mary’s Ryken’s achievement not only reflects its dedication to academic excellence but also positions it as a leader in advancing college readiness and educational opportunities for its students. We are especially proud of our ability to provide each child with the care it takes to move them to their full potential.”