Newton County Schools (NCS) is proud to announce that all three district high schools—Alcovy, Eastside, and Newton—have been named 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods.
Each high school earned the distinction of AP STEM School, a recognition that highlights their strong commitment to academic excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This includes offering rigorous coursework in subjects such as AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1 and 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, and AP Computer Science Principles.
In addition to being recognized as AP STEM Schools:
- Alcovy High School was also named an AP Expansion School, reflecting a significant increase in AP student participation from May 2023 to May 2024.
- Eastside High School was recognized as both an AP Access and Support School and an AP STEM Achievement School, the latter awarded to schools where at least 50% of AP STEM exams scored three or higher. In addition, the school also earned recognition as an AP School of Distinction, which was awarded to only 97 schools throughout the state.
- Newton High School earned two additional honors, being named both an AP Humanities School and an AP Access and Support School.
The Georgia Department of Education defines these AP Honor School categories as follows:
- AP STEM Schools: Offered at least five AP exams in each of four separate STEM courses with a minimum of 25 total exams administered.
- AP STEM Achievement Schools: Meet AP STEM criteria and have at least 50% of AP STEM exams scoring three or higher.
- AP Access and Support Schools: At least 30% of AP exams taken by African American and/or Hispanic students (minimum of 16 students), with 30% of all exams scoring 3 or higher, and at least 25 total exams administered.
- AP Humanities Schools: Administered five or more AP exams in a combination of ELA, social studies, fine arts, and world languages, with a minimum of 25 exams.
- AP Expansion Schools: Demonstrated at least 25% growth in AP participation from the previous year, with at least 25 students testing in 2023.
- AP School of Distinction: Schools with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of three or higher.
Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods praised this year’s honorees, stating: “Georgia's 2025 AP Honor Schools exemplify our commitment to providing students with rigorous, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for success beyond high school. I commend these schools for their dedication to academic excellence and equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in college, careers, and life.”
He added, “I am delighted the number of AP Honor Schools and school districts has risen again this year – a continued testament to the commitment of Georgia public education to expand opportunities for all Georgia students.”
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams, administered by the College Board, offer students the chance to engage in college-level studies while in high school. Students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams may be eligible for college credit, giving them a head start on their postsecondary education.
NCS Superintendent Duke Bradley, III commended the schools for this outstanding accomplishment.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our educators and the ambition of our students,” he said. “I want to extend my congratulations to Alcovy, Eastside, and Newton High Schools for earning this well-deserved distinction. These schools have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence by expanding access to rigorous coursework and fostering a culture of high achievement. I also want to recognize the Newton College & Career Academy, whose students contribute meaningfully to the success of our high schools through their participation in Advanced Placement courses. Together, these schools are opening doors and preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.”