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DeKalb students take more AP exams, earn more qualifying scores
DeKalb County students took about 5% more Advanced Placement exams in 2025–26 than the year before, while the number of scores at 3 or above rose 12%. The district says more high schools also improved participation and performance.
Students in the DeKalb County School District took about 5% more Advanced Placement exams during the 2025–26 school year than in 2024–25, according to district figures released Oct. 18.
The number of exams earning a score of 3 or higher increased 12% year over year. The share of exams reaching that benchmark also rose by 4%, the district said. A score of 3 is commonly considered passing, though whether it earns college credit depends on the institution and course.
Fifteen district high schools increased the number of AP exams taken, while 17 raised the percentage of their exam scores at 3 or above.
Superintendent Norman C. Sauce III said the district was encouraged by the gains and linked its approach to expanding access to advanced coursework and strengthening academic support. He said the goal is to help students prepare for college, careers and life.
The district did not provide total exam counts or school-by-school results in its announcement. The year-over-year increases show broader participation and more qualifying scores, but do not by themselves establish how access or outcomes differed among student groups or schools.