Penfield High School has been named to the 2026 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning a gold distinction.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results and broadening participation for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing their school’s college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Penfield offers 18 AP courses in art, English, math, science, music, social studies, technology, and world languages. In 2024-2025 academic year, the District began covering AP exam fees, removing financial barriers for students and increasing access to the courses.

Sixty-five percent of the Penfield’s Class of 2025 took at least one AP Exam during their high school career and 20% percent of the class took five or more AP Exams. More than half scored a three or higher on at least one AP Exam.

“Inclusion in the AP School Honor speaks to the rigor of our academic offerings and the dedication of our teachers and staff to prepare students for academic success,” said Dr. Tasha Potter, superintendent of Penfield Central School District. “It also recognizes the efforts and talents of our students, who continually make us proud.”

College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

“AP gives students opportunity to engage with college-level work, earn college credit and placement, and build professional career skills they can use no matter what path they choose after high school,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “Congratulations to this year’s AP School Honor Roll recipients for proving it’s possible to expand participation in these rigorous courses and still drive strong performance.”