AP students break records amid online learning

Libby Johnson, Staff Writer • September 3, 2021

Unlike the previous years, the 2020-2021 school years AP scores are breaking previous school records. Despite the set backs that they faced, students were sill able to achieve academic success.

During the 2020-2021 school year, the high school’s students received higher overall scores on AP exams than previous years in spite of virtual classes and learning changes.

“Fifteen students got a 5 on the AP test [in 2021],” AP Biology teacher Sadaf Syed said. “This is significantly higher than the state average and national average for the amount of students.”

AP English Language students received an 80% pass rate, AP US History had an 89% pass rate, and AP Biology had 70% pass. Despite mixed virtual and in-person learning, students connected with the material through discussion.

“I think my students were a lot more open to discussion because they missed it, and this was their only social interaction,” AP English Language teacher Jasen Eairheart said. “I think that did open up a lot more students to share their thoughts.”

The school stopped offering online learning for the 2021-2022 school year, which sparked discussion and face-to-face connections.

“A lot of success had to do with how when any one of us faces something difficult, I think we rise up to the challenge and [students] saw that it was going to be difficult,” Syed said. “They worked very hard to master the content and they did exceptionally well.”

About the Contributors

Libby Johnson, Staff Writer

Freshman Libby Johnson excitedly joins The Red Ledger for her first year in high school. Johnson is optimistic about the school year and can’t wait to involve herself in art and newspaper. Although she doesn’t play many sports, she’s on the tennis team and spends most of her time playing competitive tennis. Johnson has a deep love for board games, movies and her friends. She loves spending time with her big family and cousins. Johnson is an avid reader and enjoys sharing her love for books with anyone who will listen. After a year and a half in virtual school, Johnson is ecstatic to return to spending time with her friends and meeting new people.

Hannah Gonzalez, Graphics Editor

Mama Mia, here we go again. As she takes her last ride in the TRL classroom, Hannah Gonzalez is ready to end this year with a bang. Gonzalez serves as a Co-Graphics editor for the third year in a row and this is her fourth year on staff. When she’s not making killer graphics, you can most likely find Gonzalez on the volleyball court, at FCA meetings, in school or going for a joy ride in the Jeep that she named “Beep.” Although TRL is life, Gonzalez also enjoys going for late-night ice cream runs, watching early morning sunrises, going to church every Sunday morning and going on an occasional lake trip. To add to her list of accomplishments, Gonzalez has won three state championships and is looking for a fourth. With her happy planner by her side, Gonzalez is looking forward to kicking procrastination to the curb as she conquers her final year as a high school student.