"The data for the 2022 AP testing cycle reveals much to be celebrated," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Chris Hampton. "Our students and teachers did a remarkable job in these very rigorous courses and I could not be more proud of their results. We celebrated an 83 percent success rate and that is a 10-year high. The number of students participating and the number of tests given dropped a bit and we suspect that is in response to increasing dual enrollment opportunities, and we are already seeing a rebound in those numbers for the coming year. We look forward to more students demonstrating their knowledge and preparation through the AP course experience this year."

The AP Capstone Diploma program allows students to develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills, both individually and as a team. Students conduct academic research on topics of personal interests in two interdisciplinary courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. The capstone program is led by Dobyns-Bennett Chemistry and AP Research teacher, Ushma Kothari and English and AP Seminar teacher, Leigh Tuell. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.

In addition, there are 163 Dobyns-Bennett AP Scholars. Out of the 163, a total of 53 students have been named AP Scholars (earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams), 28 AP Scholars with Honor students (average score of 3.71 on all exams and at least a 3 on four or more exams), 64 AP Scholars with Distinction students (average of 4.1 on all exams and at least a 3 on five or more tests), 3 AP Research and Seminar Diploma students (average of 3.5 on the exam and earned scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research), and 15 AP Capstone Diploma students. In total, 372 students took 739 exams.

The College Board Advanced Placement Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. A 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP Exams, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align with their high standards.