More Leander ISD students took AP and IB exams in 2020, with the total number of AP and IB Exams taken reaching a new high.
“We are extremely proud of our students given there were significant changes to the AP and IB Exams in the 2019-2020 school,” said Assistant Superintendent of Pathways and Innovation, Chrysta Carlin. “These students have worked incredibly hard and I congratulate each of them for their efforts.”
Advanced Placement (AP)
In 2020, 4,812 Leander ISD students took 9,119 AP exams, up from the 4,709 students who took 9,086 exams in 2019. The percentage of students who met criteria (scoring a 3 or higher) increased from 71% to 72%.
The AP Scholar Awards recognize high school students who have demonstrated exemplary college-level achievement on AP Exams. Leander ISD reported a 9.5% increase from the previous year’s AP Scholar distinctions with 1,726 students earning AP Scholar Awards.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program
An outstanding 90 percent of Leander ISD’s Class of 2020 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidates received their IB Diplomas. Leander High School and Vandegrift High School are the two Leander ISD schools that offer the IB Diploma Program.
In order to earn the IB Diploma, students must take six IB courses (at least three of them over two years), score a total of at least 24 points on cumulative exams, complete a 4,000-word extended essay, pass a theory of knowledge class and demonstrate a two-year commitment to creativity, activity and service.
For students who meet these rigorous criteria, there are many perks associated with earning the IB Diploma. Benefits include a higher admission rate at top colleges, higher probability of graduation from college in four years, and actual college credit. For example, the state of Texas awards at least 24 college credit hours for the IB Diploma, according to Texas Education Code [TEC] §51.968, 2005.
