Research consistently shows that students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to graduate on time than otherwise comparable non-AP peers. Students earning a minimum score of 3 on a scale from 1-5 on an AP Exam can earn college credit, advanced placement, or both at most colleges and universities. Performing well on an AP Exam means more than just mastering the material in a particular subject; it is a pathway to success in college.1
Top 10 Districts
AP Excellence: 2009-2010
AP Excellence Index: Percent of all 9th-12th grade students who earned a 3 or higher on any AP exam.
| District Rank | Students Scoring 3-52 | District Size3 |
| 1. Catalina Foothills Unified School District | 25.6% | Medium |
| 2. Chandler Unified School District | 11.0% | Largest |
| 3. Amphitheater Unified School District* | 10.8% | Large |
| 4. Fountain Hills Unified School District | 10.2% | Small |
| 5. Tanque Verde Unified School District | 9.1% | Very Small |
| 6. Paradise Valley Unified School District | 8.8% | Large |
| 7. Scottsdale Unified School District | 8.4% | Large |
| 8. Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District* | 7.8% | Very Small |
| 9. Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District* | 6.3% | Medium |
| 10. Cave Creek Unified School District | 6.2% | Medium |
* District with 40% or greater enrollment of students qualifying for free or reduced price meals.
Data Sources:
1. The 7th Annual AP Report to the Nation, College Board 2010
2. ADE 2009-2010 Enrollment Data
3. College Board 2009-2010 Arizona AP Exam Data
