Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School
Expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) classes while improving student performance on end-of-course AP exams is a difficult balancing act. By achieving this feat, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School has once again been selected for recognition by the College Board.
RFH is one of 36 schools in New Jersey to be placed on the Fourth Annual AP District Honor Roll — the second consecutive year that RFH has been recognized by the College Board for this achievement.
A total of 477 schools from across the U.S. and in Canada were selected for AP District Honor Roll Status. Each of these schools has successfully offered AP courses to a more diverse group of learners while simultaneously maintaining or improving students’ scores on AP exams.
To achieve AP District Honor Roll status this year, RFH increased the number of students taking AP courses by 32 percent. In addition, the school successfully increased the percentage of students scoring a passing grade of three or above on AP exams.
“I am so proud of the fact that RFH students continually challenge themselves academically,” said Principal Tracy Handerhan. “They truly recognize the long-term value of a rigorous secondary education.”
Currently, 628 students are enrolled in the eighteen AP course selections offered at RFH. The school’s most recent addition to the AP curriculum, AP English Language and Composition, attracted a record-high number of 70 students in 11th and 12th grade.
“I would be remiss if I did not speak to the high support network provided by our faculty,” said Handerhan. “They believe in their students.”
College Board is a not-for-profit national organization providing students with a path to college opportunities, including financial support and scholarships. AP courses allow students to acquire the skills and study habits they need to succeed in college as well as compete more effectively for scholarships. At the completion of an AP course, students can earn college credit with a score of three or higher on the exam.