Walpole High School students’ Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores surpassed the state average in the 2015-2016 school year. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE) reported that a total of 88.9 percent of tests taken at WHS scored at least a three out of five on the AP exam. Throughout Massachusetts, the average percentage of tests scoring a three out of five or above was 66.5 percent.
The MDESE’s results show that this year, out of the 387 AP exams taken at WHS, 107 students scored a perfect score of five out of five, while 126 students scored a four out of five.
There has been a steady rise in the amount of students taking AP classes at Walpole High in recent years. The College Board’s Five-Year School Score Summary provides evidence that not only has the number of test takers at Walpole High School increased since 2012, but the scores have gotten higher as well.
Principal Stephen Imbusch recognizes the importance of students challenging themselves and taking AP classes. “It’s good for [students] to the see the rigor that is involved in a college type course,” Imbusch said.
Sixty-four students completed the 2015-2016 AP Language and Composition exam, making it the most popular test for students at Walpole High School.
“AP Language and Composition is the most practical class,” AP English teacher Kerry Mcmenimen said. “It teaches skills that you can use in college.”
As for results, students at WHS scored best on the AP Spanish Language test, where all 34 students scored at least a three out of five.
“I am pleased with the results,” AP Spanish teacher Richard Sturges said. “The kids worked hard all year to become proficient students.”
Doing well on the AP Spanish Exam is not uncommon for Walpole students, as all students who took the 2013-2014 exam and the 2014-2015 exam scored at least a three out of five as well.
Throughout all exams, this year’s results show a .2 percent increase from last years’ scores at Walpole High School. Scores of 3 out of 5 or above are widely accepted as college credit at many universities.
Teachers and administrators acknowledge the importance of AP classes for the skills they teach students, regardless of the scores these students receive. “[AP classes] set you up for success no matter what you do, regardless of whether you get credit [for college] or not,” Imbusch said.
