Leander ISD students are celebrating another record-breaking year of achievement in the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program, earning 2806 AP Scholar recognitions — an increase of 351 recognitions from last year.

The May 2026 exam performance results come on the heels of a record-breaking year for AP participation and scores across LISD, providing another powerful measure of the impact of the district’s commitment to rigorous, college-level learning opportunities.  We are excited to see that for the first time, the class of 2026 had 55 percent of its members earn a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.  

Among this year’s College Board recognitions were:

  • 973 AP Scholars
  • 465 AP Scholars with Honor
  • 1,368 AP Scholars with Distinction
  • 172 AP Capstone Diplomas
  • 17 AP Seminar and Research Certificates

Students across all seven LISD high schools earned recognition, with Cedar Park High School students earning 511 total recognitions, Leander High School earning 326, Rouse High School earning 603, Tom Glenn High School students earning 205, Vandegrift High School students earning 623, Vista Ridge High School earning 710, and Early College High School students earning 18.

Recognizing Academic Excellence

AP Scholar recognitions celebrate students who demonstrate exceptional performance on multiple AP Exams. This year’s honorees include:

  • AP Scholars: Students who earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
  • AP Scholars with Honor: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
  • AP Scholars with Distinction: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.

LISD students also earned 172 AP Capstone Diplomas and 17 AP Seminar and Research Certificates through the District’s AP Capstone program, which provides students with opportunities to develop college-level research, writing, collaboration, and presentation skills.

The AP Capstone Diploma is awarded to students who earn qualifying scores in both AP Seminar and AP Research, as well as on four additional AP Exams. The AP Seminar and Research Certificate is awarded to students who earn qualifying scores in both AP Seminar and AP Research.

LISD continues to expand access to AP courses and other advanced academic opportunities, ensuring students have opportunities to challenge themselves, earn college credit, and develop the knowledge and skills needed for success beyond high school.

The 2026 AP Scholar recognitions are another example of the district’s commitment to academic excellence and preparing every student for success in college, career, and life.