January 15, 2026

Charleston Schools Shine: 6 High Schools Earn AP Honor Roll

Charleston, SC, January 15, 2026

Six high schools in Charleston County have been recognized on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, showcasing the region’s dedication to educational excellence. This achievement reflects the schools’ commitment to expanding access to rigorous coursework, preparing students for college and professional success. The honored schools include Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Lucy Beckham High School, Wando High School, James Island Charter High School, and West Ashley High School. This recognition highlights the importance of cultivating a well-educated workforce for the Lowcountry’s economic growth.

Charleston, SC

Charleston Schools Shine: 6 High Schools Earn 2025 AP Honor Roll

A testament to academic rigor and student achievement, six local institutions are cultivating the next generation of Lowcountry innovators and leaders, laying a strong foundation for the region’s economic future.

In a thriving community like Charleston, where innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are highly valued, the bedrock of sustained economic growth is a well-educated populace. The recent recognition of six Charleston County high schools on the 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll underscores a significant commitment to academic excellence within our public education system. This national distinction not only celebrates the dedication of students, educators, and supportive families but also highlights the cultivation of a skilled workforce crucial for the continued expansion of the Charleston County economy. Such achievements reflect a local environment where rigor and opportunity are prioritized, fostering a pipeline of talent prepared to contribute meaningfully to the Charleston SC business landscape.

The success of these schools in expanding access to advanced coursework while simultaneously supporting strong student outcomes is a clear indicator of the region’s investment in human capital. This dedication to higher standards in education directly correlates with the potential for future entrepreneurial ventures and the resilience of Charleston small business enterprises. By preparing students for the intellectual demands of higher education and professional careers, Charleston is proactively strengthening its position as a hub for talent and economic vitality, ensuring that the Lowcountry economic growth remains robust and dynamic.

Honoring Excellence: Charleston County’s AP Achievements

Six Charleston County high schools have been officially recognized by the College Board on the 2025 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, a national distinction acknowledging schools that excel in expanding access to rigorous coursework and achieving strong student outcomes. This marks a notable increase from the four Charleston County School District (CCSD) schools recognized in 2024.

The honored institutions for 2025 include: Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Lucy Beckham High School, Wando High School, James Island Charter High School, and West Ashley High School. It is particularly commendable that Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Lucy Beckham High School, and Wando High School have consistently earned this AP School Honor Roll recognition every year since the honor’s establishment in 2023, demonstrating a sustained commitment to academic rigor.

To qualify for this national recognition, schools must meet specific criteria for their most recent graduating class, which are anchored in research-based relationships between AP and college outcomes. These criteria are categorized into three key areas: College Culture, College Credit, and College Optimization. For College Culture, 40% or more of the graduating cohort must have taken at least one AP Exam during high school. For College Credit, 25% or more of the graduating cohort must have scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam during high school. Finally, for College Optimization, 2% or more of the graduating cohort must have taken five or more AP Exams during high school, with at least one of those exams taken in 9th or 10th grade.

Forging Future Leaders: The Impact of Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement programs are more than just advanced coursework; they are vital pathways for students to engage with college-level material while still in high school, offering opportunities to earn college credit or advanced placement. These rigorous courses in approximately 40 subjects foster critical thinking, robust argument construction, and the ability to analyze multiple perspectives—skills universally valued in higher education and professional life.

The emphasis on AP coursework prepares students not only for academic success but also for the challenges of the modern economy. Research consistently shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. For those who enter four-year colleges with AP credits, their path to graduation can be accelerated, building crucial confidence for future academic and career success. Even without earning college credit, the exposure to college-level work through AP contributes significantly to a “college-going culture” within schools, broadening students’ horizons and equipping them with a foundational understanding of advanced academic expectations.

A Strong Foundation for the Lowcountry Economy

The academic achievements celebrated by the 2025 AP School Honor Roll are not merely educational milestones; they are significant contributors to the Charleston County economy. A highly educated and capable workforce is a magnet for new businesses and a critical factor in the expansion of existing Charleston SC business entities. When local high schools demonstrate a strong capacity for preparing students for college-level work, it signals to potential investors and employers that the region is committed to nurturing top-tier talent.

This commitment translates into tangible benefits, such as a reduced need for extensive retraining by local companies, potentially lowering operating costs and making Charleston more attractive for both domestic and foreign investment. The consistent academic rigor embodied by these schools builds confidence in the quality of the local talent pool, providing a competitive edge for Charleston in the broader economic landscape. Such an environment naturally supports the growth of Charleston small business ventures and empowers South Carolina entrepreneurs with access to skilled individuals ready to innovate and contribute.

Community Commitment to Educational Rigor

The sustained success of Charleston County schools in achieving national recognition like the AP School Honor Roll is a reflection of a broader community commitment to educational excellence. This accomplishment is a testament to the collaborative efforts of dedicated educators, engaged parents, and a supportive community that values the intellectual development of its youth. When schools receive accolades for expanding access to challenging courses and ensuring student success, it underscores the positive outcomes that emerge when high expectations are paired with strong instruction and meaningful support for students.

Leaders within the school district emphasize that this recognition highlights the possibilities when rigorous coursework is coupled with robust student support. This holistic approach, which involves nurturing a college-going culture and providing ample opportunities for students to demonstrate college readiness, is a collective triumph for the Lowcountry. It signifies that the community understands that investing in its educational institutions is an investment in its own future, contributing directly to the vibrant fabric of the Charleston County economy.

Empowering Innovation and Economic Resilience

A highly educated talent pool, cultivated through rigorous programs like Advanced Placement, is indispensable for fostering entrepreneurial innovation and ensuring the long-term resilience of the Charleston small business sector. Students who engage in advanced academic pathways develop skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and independent learning—qualities that are the hallmark of successful South Carolina entrepreneurs.

The continuous recognition of Charleston County high schools on a national stage for their AP programs reinforces the region’s commitment to developing a workforce that can adapt to changing economic demands and drive new ventures. This academic foundation helps create an environment where businesses can thrive, knowing they have access to local talent capable of high-level performance and innovative contributions. As Charleston continues to evolve, the success of its educational institutions in preparing students for advanced studies and careers remains a cornerstone of sustainable Lowcountry economic growth and prosperity.

The remarkable achievement of these six Charleston County high schools on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll is a clear indicator of a strong and dedicated educational ecosystem within the Lowcountry. This commitment to academic rigor and student success not only enriches individual lives but also fortifies the broader Charleston County economy, providing a well-prepared workforce and fostering an environment ripe for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. As Charleston looks to the future, the continued support for such high standards in education will undoubtedly remain a crucial component of its economic vitality and community strength. We encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate these achievements, understanding their profound impact on our shared future and continuing to support the educational endeavors that bolster Charleston SC business and our community as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the 2025 AP School Honor Roll recognition for Charleston County high schools:

Which Charleston County high schools were recognized on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll?
The six Charleston County high schools recognized on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll are Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Lucy Beckham High School, Wando High School, James Island Charter High School, and West Ashley High School.

What is the AP School Honor Roll?
The AP School Honor Roll is a national distinction honoring schools that expand access to rigorous coursework while supporting strong student outcomes.

What are the criteria for a school to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll?
To be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll, schools must meet three criteria for their most recent graduating class: College Culture (40% or more of the graduating cohort took at least 1 AP Exam during high school), College Credit (25% or more of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least 1 AP Exam during high school), and College Optimization (2% or more of the graduating cohort took 5 or more AP Exams during high school, with at least 1 of those exams taken in 9th or 10th grade).

How many Charleston County schools were recognized in 2024 compared to 2025?
The Charleston County School District saw an increase from four recognized schools in 2024 to six recognized schools in 2025.

What are the benefits of AP courses for students?
AP courses prepare students for college-level studies, provide opportunities to earn college credit or advanced placement, and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time.

Key Features of the 2025 AP School Honor Roll Recognition

Feature	Description	Scope
Number of Recognized Charleston County Schools	6 High Schools	Local
Specific Charleston County Schools Recognized	Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Lucy Beckham High School, Wando High School, James Island Charter High School, West Ashley High School	Local
Type of Recognition	National Distinction for expanding access to rigorous coursework and strong student outcomes	Nationwide
Increase from Previous Year	Increase from 4 recognized schools in 2024 to 6 in 2025 within Charleston County School District	Local
Core Criteria for Recognition	College Culture (≥40% of graduating cohort took ≥1 AP Exam); College Credit (≥25% of graduating cohort scored ≥3 on ≥1 AP Exam); College Optimization (≥2% of graduating cohort took ≥5 AP Exams, with ≥1 in 9th/10th grade)	Nationwide
Long-standing Recognition	Academic Magnet High School, Charleston County School of the Arts, Lucy Beckham High School, and Wando High School have received recognition every year since 2023.	Local