For the seventh consecutive year, De La Salle Collegiate students have posted higher Advanced Placement test scores.

The numbers tell a seven-year story of academic momentum and reflect the efforts of students and teachers across the school’s robust Advanced Placement (AP) program. 

In May 2026, 166 students took 300 AP exams, and 81% of the students earned a 3 or higher; the 2025 number was 71%. 

The AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with a 5 being the highest. Depending on the college or university, students may earn course credits and/or earn placement into higher-level courses. 

Vice Principal of Academics, Annmarie Michol said that all of the Math and English exam scores showed significant improvement, with the rate of improvement in Math at 0.71. 

In ten AP courses, test scores exceeded both the state and global averages. In these courses, DLS averaged 15.5% better than the state average; 16.8% better than the global average. 

These courses include 

• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• English Literature and Composition
• English Language and Composition
• Environmental Science
• Human Geography
• Psychology
• Statistics
• U.S. Government

Michol also noted that the highest scores were in Human Geography (4.19), which also had freshmen in the course), and in Calculus BC (4.17).
 
Other AP courses at DLS include Microeconomics, Biology, Spanish, U.S. HIstory, Physics, and Computer Science. 

Michol, and Principal Christopher Dean, have tracked the scores for several years and shared statistics about the number of exams in which students earned a 4 or 5. 

• 2026: 57% of total exams were a 4 or 5 (170 of 300)
• 2025: 44%
• 2024: 37%
• 2023: 28%
• 2022: 18%

Why Scores Increased

Michol explained the improved scores this way.

• The AP scores continue to increase because our teachers are consistently staying current with the resources and updates provided by the College Board, including AP Classroom, AP workshops, and professional development opportunities. 
• Teachers are also using these resources to adjust instruction and provide students with targeted practice throughout the year. 
• In addition, several AP teachers went above and beyond by offering additional practice testing, review sessions, and instruction on weekends to provide students more opportunities to strengthen their understanding and build confidence before the exams.