USCHS earns Gold on AP Honor Roll

Launched in 2023, the AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose Advanced Placement programs deliver strong academic outcomes while expanding access and participation. Schools are recognized annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to college readiness, opportunities to earn college credit and a strong college-going culture.

In May 2025, 367 Upper St. Clair students completed 754 AP exams across 27 subject areas, achieving a 91% pass rate. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1-5, with a score of 3 or higher considered passing and often eligible for college credit.

“Earning Gold recognition reflects the hard work of our students and the dedication of our teachers to providing rigorous, engaging learning opportunities,” Principal Dr. Timothy Wagner said. “We are proud to offer a program that challenges students academically while preparing them for success beyond high school.”

According to the College Board, research shows 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 credit from AP accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success,” Trevor Packer, head of the College Board’s AP program, said. “And even 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.”

The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. To qualify at the Bronze level, schools must meet minimum benchmarks among students in the most recent graduating class, including participation in at least one AP exam, earning qualifying scores and taking multiple AP exams during high school. Performance thresholds increase at each recognition level.

Upper St. Clair High School currently offers 24 AP courses including AP Art & Design; AP Biology; AP Calculus AB; AP Calculus BC; AP Chemistry; AP Chinese Language; AP Comparative Government & Politics; AP Computer Science A; AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature and Composition; AP Environmental Science; AP French Language; AP German Language; AP Macroeconomics & AP Microeconomics; AP Music Theory; AP Physics 1; AP Physics C: Mechanics; AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism; AP Psychology; AP Spanish Language; AP Statistics; AP U.S. Government & Politics; AP U.S. History; and AP World History.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP exams. The program offers courses in 40 subject areas nationwide.