Rising to the Challenge: Ensworth Students Excel in AP Courses

We are proud to celebrate the exceptional performance of our students in the Advanced Placement program during the 2025–2026 school year. While all Ensworth courses are designed as rigorous, college-preparatory experiences, AP courses offer students the opportunity to pursue advanced study in disciplines aligned with their interests, strengths, and goals while earning college credit.

Across subjects, Ensworth students once again demonstrated their ability to embrace academic challenge and pursue knowledge with curiosity, discipline, and purpose. The total number of Ensworth AP students increased by 28% from last year, with 99% of students passing at least one AP exam and 88% earning a 4 or 5.

At Ensworth, however, AP testing does not drive the curriculum. Our courses prioritize the rich learning experiences that matter most—discussion, writing, project-based learning, inquiry, and student choice. Students develop deep knowledge and transferable skills through authentic academic experiences, with AP exams serving as one measure of the strength of that learning.

The results are particularly notable in courses where critical thinking and strong writing skills are central to success. Ensworth students earned 100% pass rates in AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History, and AP English Language and Composition—evidence of the sustained emphasis on writing, analysis, and thoughtful communication across the curriculum.

This same approach extends beyond AP courses. In 10th Grade Honors U.S. History, for example, students achieved a 100% pass rate, with 95% earning a 4 or 5, while continuing to focus on skill development and Harkness discussion. In AP English Language, students complete a one-semester anchor course before selecting from a range of second-semester options, allowing them to pursue their interests while continuing to build essential analytical and communication skills.

AP courses provide students with opportunities to engage deeply with subjects that interest them while developing the critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, and communication skills that serve them well in college and beyond.

The AP Scholar Awards are part of a nationwide recognition system administered by the College Board that honors students who earn strong scores on multiple AP Exams. Across the United States, these awards are conferred each year to students who meet specific performance benchmarks. Students earn AP Scholar recognition by receiving scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams. Higher honors require strong averages across four or more exams. This year, Ensworth had a total of 123 AP Scholars:

• 33 AP Scholars: Scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams.
• 22 AP Scholars with Honor: Average score of at least 3.25 on all exams taken
• 68 AP Scholars with Distinction: Average score of at least 3.5 on all exams taken, with 3 or higher on five or more.

Ensworth students did more than earn individual honors; they also outpaced global AP performance in multiple subject areas. Ensworth scores surpassed the global average by 20–25 percent in the following courses:

• Calculus AB*
• Calculus BC*
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• English Literature
• Language and Composition*
• European History*
• U.S. Government and Politics*
• 2D Art and Design*
• Art History

Ensworth students exceeded the global average by more than 25 percent in the following courses:

• Statistics*
• Biology*
• Physics C*
• French*
• Latin*
• Human Geography
• U.S. History*

*Denotes 100 percent class pass rate.

Associate Head of High School and History Teacher Jeanne Hubert shared, “At Ensworth, we value student agency by offering a range of teacher-designed courses and electives that allow students to pursue their interests in meaningful ways. We keep our focus on deep skill development, critical thinking, and authentic learning. The AP exam supports, rather than drives, that experience. Our results show that rigorous, student-centered learning — not a prescribed test-prep curriculum — builds both deep knowledge and exceptional outcomes.”

The success of Ensworth students in AP courses is not simply measured by exam scores. It reflects a broader culture of intellectual curiosity, discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace challenge—qualities that are central to the Ensworth experience.

For students, the AP experience is an opportunity to go deeper, ask more challenging questions, engage in thoughtful discussion, solve complex problems, and explore ideas alongside classmates and faculty who share their enthusiasm for learning.

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 AP Scholars and to all of our students and faculty who made this exceptional year of achievement possible!