Blanson CTE High School Earns Silver Distinction, Avalos P-TECH School Earns Bronze; Both Receive AP Access Awards – Aldine ISD

The College Board’s AP School Honor Roll celebrates schools that excel in providing students with college credit and Advance Placement opportunities.

Blanson Career Technology Education (CTE) High School and Avalos P-TECH School are proud to announce that they were placed on the College Board’s 2024 AP School Honor Roll, earning the prestigious Silver and Bronze honors.

In addition to the silver and bronze honors, Blanson won the CTE HS and Avalos P-TECH School AP Access Award. It is Blanson’s second year in a row to earn the honor. AP Access celebrates schools’ commitment to expanding access to AP courses for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

AP School Honor Roll

Launched in 2023 AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools with AP programs that deliver outcomes for students while expanding access. Schools qualify based on criteria that promote a college-going culture, college credit opportunities, and college readiness.

“We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, counselors, administrators and parents for these accomplishments,” said Dr. Susan Pelezo, executive director of the AISD Advanced Academics Office. “We and our schools are committed to providing all students with opportunities to challenge themselves academically and prepare for success in college and beyond.”

The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Blanson CTE High School and Avalos P-TECH School join an elite group dedicated to expanding students’ academic horizons.

Qualification criteria

Schools earn a spot on the AP School Honor Roll by meeting the following criteria for their recent graduating class (2023-2024 school year):

• • College Credit: At least 25% scored 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.
  • College optimization: At least 2% took five or more AP exams, with one in ninth or 10th grade, to help balance the AP experience across high school.

AP Access Award

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that excel in providing students with opportunities to earn college credit and placement, foster a college culture, and maximize college readiness.

This award recognizes the school’s efforts to break down barriers and provide equal access to rigorous courses for all students, regardless of their background.

Schools earn the additional award if the percentage of AP exam takers who are underrepresented minority and/or low-income students reflects the school’s overall student demographics. For example, assume that 50% of a school’s student body is low-income. In that case, 50% of AP test takers must also be low income for a school to receive the AP Access Award.

AP courses and college readiness

According to Pelezo, the Advanced Placement Program allows students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Through rigorous courses and exams, students develop critical thinking skills, build strong arguments, and explore multiple perspectives, preparing them for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

Students and parents interested in learning more about AP opportunities at Blanson CTE High School and Avalos P-TECH School are encouraged to contact the schools’ AP coordinators. Principal Joshua Van Donsel and Principal Stephen Heady lead the campuses respectively.