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Mostly Cloudy Bellmore-Merrick schools earn top distinction
College Board honor granted due to high passing rates and robust curriculum
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District has been named a College Board Advanced Placement District of the Year for being the national leader among medium-sized school districts whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access.
Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District was one of more than 12,000 school districts across the U.S. and Canada whose schools achieved high placement on the annual AP School Honor Roll. From this list, three AP Districts of the Year — one for each category of district population size: small, medium, and large — were selected based on research-based criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Terry Redican, vice president of AP Program Delivery at College Board, was at the Dec. 5 celebration held at Wellington C. Mepham High School.
“Your students are brilliant, energetic and also talented,” he said after spending a few days in the district. “With any of the many topics of the AP courses, the larger challenge across all of AP is that it is college coursework that you can take in high school. You are taking courses now that were designed for the next level of learning.”
“This accolade is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing high-quality Advanced Placement programs that not only deliver positive outcomes for students, but also focus on expanding access to advanced education,” said Michael Harrington, superintendent of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. “It reflects the dedication of educators, administrators, and students in achieving success in AP courses.”
“It’s also an acknowledgment of the district’s efforts in fostering academic excellence and creating an environment that supports students in their pursuit of higher education,” added Scott Bersin, asssitant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “Such recognition often highlights the district’s commitment to equity and inclusivity in education, ensuring that a diverse range of students can benefit from and succeed in challenging academic programs.”
Longtime Central District Board President and Bellmore Elementary Schools Board Trustee Janet Goller noted that the district has always been a place that creates opportunities and pathways to enrich the educational experience for all students.
“The board works hard to uphold the vision of our superintendent and leadership team,” she said.
She credited former Superintendent John DeTommaso for implementing an AP centric philosophy that “provides students with more access to rigor.”
Eric Giannaris, a 2021 graduate of Kennedy High School and current student at the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, reflected on his AP experience and how the courses prepared him for college.
“My work as an AP student at Kennedy led to a seamless transition into college as I used them to place for electives, as well as some science classes,” he said.
Over the past year, in Bellmore-Merrick Central high schools, 74 percent of the graduating cohort is taking at least 1 AP Exam during high school, 52 percent of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least 1 AP Exam during high school, and ultimately 100 percent of district schools achieving recognition on the AP Honor Roll.
Participating in AP coursework can lead to college savings for families. The typical student who scores a 3 or higher on two AP Exams can save, on average, $2,252 at a public four-year college and over $8,308 at a private institution.
In 2023, more than 3,400 colleges and universities worldwide received AP scores for college credit, placement, or consideration in the admissions process.
Many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer credit in one or more subjects for qualifying AP scores.
— Jordan Vallone
