DoDEA Europe Schools Excel in Advanced Placement Program

SEMBACH, Germany— Nineteen high schools within the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Europe Region have been awarded Platinum status and two have achieved Gold status on the prestigious Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll. This recognition highlights the region’s commitment to improving access to college-level courses and promoting educational equity.

“Equity and access to rigorous instruction for every student are at the heart of our regional goals,” said Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, Europe Director for Student Excellence. “Our AP programs are a critical component of helping students develop the skills and confidence to succeed in college, career, and beyond.”

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that achieve outstanding results in their AP programs while increasing access for students. The annual recognition is based on several criteria, indicating each school’s dedication to fostering a college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

To achieve Platinum status, the highest recognition, schools must meet specific criteria for their Class of 2024: 80% or more of students must take at least one AP course before graduating; 50% or more of students must earn potential college credit by achieving an AP Exam score of 3 or higher; and 15% or more of students must take a total of five AP courses during high school, with at least one course taken in 9th or 10th grade.

Studies underscore the significance of early exposure to college-level coursework in enhancing college readiness and increasing the likelihood of students pursuing higher education. “Throughout the region, we’ve expanded our vision of what college and career readiness truly means,” said Tami Elder, Europe Instructional Systems Specialist for AP. “It’s about providing equity and access to academic rigor—and cultivating resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking, ensuring that every student is prepared to excel and thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

Notably, at ten schools, every graduate in the Class of 2024 took at least one AP class during their high school career, representing a notable achievement in providing access to college-level coursework for all students.

The College Board‘s AP program allows high school students to challenge themselves with college-level studies. As a result, AP students develop critical thinking skills, learn to construct well-founded arguments, and appreciate diverse perspectives—abilities that are beneficial in college and future careers. Leah Zamor, principal of Baumholder Middle High, which attained Platinum status for the first time, stated, “We are committed to fostering a college-going culture by using AP Potential data, providing inclusive AP course offerings, and offering resources that empower all students to reach their full potential.”

Dr. Heather Ramaglia, Europe East Community Superintendent and former principal at Wiesbaden High School, reflected on the school’s achievement of Platinum status after reaching the Gold level in 2023: “The success of earning the AP School Honor Roll Platinum level is attributed to the strong culture and climate, as well as the dedication of the outstanding staff at WHS. I am constantly in awe of the dedication, innovation, and risk-taking of these educators in support of more meaningful and authentic learning experiences.”

This recognition of all schools within the region exemplifies Europe Region’s persistent dedication to ensuring equitable access to education, preparing students academically for life beyond high school.