Montgomery County is known for their rigorous AP courses and fast-paced curriculum. Especially here, taking at least two AP courses is the norm. In 2017, Montgomery County saw 66% of high school students take at least one AP course and exam through all four years. Through that same year, Montgomery County records show 1,382 students had completed 2,742 AP exams. 

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According to US News, every year, roughly 86% of students at this school participate in taking one or more AP exams. 78% of students enrolled in AP courses pass the exam, earning a three or higher, reports WDVM news. These above average participation and passing rates among students can be attributed to the accelerated curriculum. With 10/10 college readiness ranking, and 95% graduation rate, the school excels in all categories. 

More specifically, AP courses here are designed to be taught at a harder level and quicker pace. This allows for a longer review period during spring before the AP exam. Most, if not all, AP courses here finish learning new content before spring break in the beginning of April, allowing for a month of review before students begin taking their tests in mid-May. Junior Michelle Hsiung recalls her experience with the AP Chinese exam as less stressful than expected. “The curriculum here was harder than the exam questions,” Hsiung said.

According to College Board, AP Physics l is the hardest AP course and exam in the country, with only a 51% passing rate. Junior Madelyn Lee noted that AP Physics was the hardest course she has taken. While still able to pass the exam and scoring in the top 16th percentile, she credits her success to an accelerated learning plan. “Some teachers I know run their classes differently, but Dr. Hirsch was a very strict and hard teacher, which I think prepared me well for the test questions,” Lee said.

Another strength here is the science department. This school offers 30 science courses with five of them offering advanced placement credit. Senior Neha Dheenadhayalan has taken six exams during the first three years of her high school career, one of those being AP Chemistry. “AP Chemistry was the hardest AP that I’ve taken,” Dheenadhayalan said. 

Although she took that course during the pandemic, Dheenadhayalan wished there had been more time and focus in the classes on the questions. “The curriculum last year was very different from what I was used to, because it was online. There wasn’t enough class time to study for the exam and that’s why I had to get an outside tutor,” Dheenadhayalan said.

Junior Jason Lee took AP Computer Science sophomore year and said that he was more than prepared when test time came around. Lee scored in the top 27% of the nation. “I’m not really into tech in general, but I did well in the class and on the exam,” Lee said. 

Despite the stress that accompanies this high intensity environment, this school repeatedly scores in the top percentiles of the nation and provides academically proficient students who are statistically more prepared for university course loads.