CummingHome.com Local news, events, and business from Cumming, GA and Forsyth County

Surpasses Georgia’s Pass Rate of 55% and National Pass Rate of 60%

Cumming, GA (September 15, 2011) – Pinecrest Academy High School continues to be recognized for outstanding academic achievement. The school’s Advanced Placement (AP) test scores reflect their commitment to academic excellence. The passing rate for Pinecrest graduates has trended upward since the High School opened.

Pinecrest’s first graduating class, the class of 2007, achieved a respectable passing rate of 65% on their AP Exams, far exceeding Georgia’s 56% rate. Georgia’s AP pass rate has remained steady over the years, while Pinecrest’s have continued to climb. The class of 2011 earned a passing rate of 88% while similar students in the state posted a pass rate of 55%. The number becomes even more meaningful when one considers that, at Pinecrest, all AP students take the exams; there is no “opt out” option available as in other schools.

In 2011, Pinecrest Academy had a Total of 19 AP Scholars, with an average score of 3.98. Two students, Sean A. Klooster and Rachel Witt, received scores of 5 on all exams taken.

The “AP Scholars with Distinction” designation is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Pinecrest’s Margaret M. Cassandra received this designation. The “AP Scholars with Honors” designation is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Five Pinecrest students received this designation. The “AP Scholars” designation is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Thirteen Pinecrest students earned this designation.

AP Scholar with Distinction
Margaret M. Cassandra

AP Scholars with Honors

Matthew Z. Farkas
Anna C. Howard

Arturo Merriman

Agatha Rodriguez

Rachel Witt (received “5” on all exams)

AP Scholars

Sarah E. Brenner

Daniela L. Cardona

Robert T. Gilligan

William B. Haynes

Jackson B. Hicks

Sean A. Klooster (received “5” on all exams)

Carolyn E. Owings

Sarah A. Rocko

Katerina Saker

Preston M. Stafford

Mary K. Strom
Valerie F. Welty
Carly M. Wood