Students in Howard County's class of 2011 outperformed their counterparts statewide and nationwide on Advanced Placement exams, according to the College Board's annual Report to the Nation.
Among 2011 graduates, 40 percent took an AP test and scored a three out of five or higher on the exam.
In Maryland, that number was 27.9 percent. Nationwide, it was 18.1 percent.
The high numbers come on the heels of another College Board designation: Last year, the school system was named to the second annual 2011-2012 AP Honor Roll for increasing student access to AP courses while maintaining, or improving, the rate at which those students earn passing scores on the exams. It was the only county in the state named to the honor roll.
"Our curriculum is focused on preparing students for college- and career-readiness, so to be recognized for increasing access to AP courses and having students achieve well in them is really a reflection of the preparedness of our students," said Rebecca Amani-Dove, director of student assessment and student evaluation.
The honor roll is based on three years of AP data from 2009-2011, increased participation in and access to AP courses by at least four percent in large districts, a steady or increasing percentage of exams taken by minority student groups, and maintained or improved scores on the exams.
Mark Stout, coordinator of secondary social studies and coordinator of advanced programs, said the system considered AP courses to be an important part of college and career preparedness.
"We want all kids to take challenging course work, and AP is one of those chances for the students," Stout said.
The system does many things to open up AP opportunities for all students, Stout said, including communicating with parents, information nights and specifically, personal invitations to students who demonstrate AP ability when they take their Preliminary SAT in the 10th grade.
Additionally, the school system this year removed prerequisites for many of the more than 30 AP courses offered.
"We're stripping away those barriers," Stout said. "if you want to take an AP course, and you understand the rigor and you want to give it a shot, you should have that opportunity. ... If our goal is college-preparedness, taking a college-level course is a step in the right direction for kids who haven't had that chance before."