PRESS RELEASE – September 28, 2016
During the 2015-16 school year, Fluvanna County High School had 72 students qualified for college credit by taking the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam. Sixty-two percent of tests taken, earned a score of 3 or higher, above the national average of 60.3 percent.
The area of English Language and Composition, as well as English Literature and Composition, continue to be strengths at the High School. Fluvanna students scored an average of 3.25 on English Literature and Composition compared with a 2.75 national average. For English Language and Composition, Fluvanna students outscored the national average by 0.5 points, with students earning an average score of 3.32.
The biggest gains for the Division were seen in the area of social studies. US Government showed a .69 point gain over the previous year, U.S. History increased by .40 points, and World History increased by .20 points.
The High School offered a total of 18 AP courses with a number of these courses being online through the Virtual VA Program. A total of 197 high school students, or 18 percent, took advantage of these offerings.
Another popular way for students to earn college credits continues to be dual enrollment classes. Dual enrollment courses are offered through Piedmont VA Community College, and the University of Virginia, as well as the High School Pre-Engineering Program called “Project Lead the Way.” During the 2015-2016 school year at Fluvanna County High School, 222 students, or approximately 20 percent of the population, took one or more dual enrollment courses.
Of the eighteen AP areas tested at the High School, FCHS students surpassed the state and national averages in eight of the contents. The areas included: Calculus AB, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and U.S. Government and Politics.
The High School continues to expand the AP and dual enrollment course offerings. Since 2013-2014 school year, the High School has added AP Human Geography, AP World History, dual enrollment Chemistry, and AP Physics were added to the Program of Studies. 2016-2017 saw the addition of AP Computer Science and AP Computer Principles.
A major focus for the 2016-17 school year is to increase the percentage of students taking the AP test. After surveying students at the end of last year, it was determined that the school division would assume the cost for any students wishing to take the AP test. Students will not be required to take the test, but by completing the assessment they may be exempt from taking an equally rigorous final exam.
“It is so rewarding to see our students leave Fluvanna County High School having already earned college credits,” stated Ms. Brenda Gilliam, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. “Parents continue to give us positive feedback about how prepared students feel when they enter post-secondary education and the financial benefits of having these credits.”
For additional information contact Brenda Gilliam, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at bgilliam@apps.fluco.org or 434-589-8208.