In 2021, Columbia County educators took a gamble that is paying a huge dividend in student success.
“We’re saying we’re really going to try to raise the level here, but we also want more kids in (Advanced Placement classes) at the same time. We’re worried that scores would be going down instead of going up.” said Steven Flynt, Columbia County School Superintendent, Thursday, of the conundrum educators faced at that time.
But their fears were unfounded, and on July 30, Flynt congratulated teachers at the inaugural Advanced Placement Excellence Award ceremony at Greenbrier High School.
Since 2021, the number of students enrolled in AP classes has increased from nearly 3,000 to 5,242. In 2026, 81% of the students who took AP exams earned a score of 3 or higher, reflecting both increased participation and sustained academic excellence.
In 2021, about 55% of students scored a 3 or higher. The first year after the push for more students, the test rate stayed the same but has steadily increased since.
“I don’t know if any of us can explain exactly because there are so many different things that were happening in each of your classrooms that made this happen. We’re all here to say thank you for what you’re doing,” he said. “Let’s keep investing in our students in all of these ways.”
Evans High School has the highest three-year increase in the percentage of Advanced Placement exams earning scores of 3 or higher. Evans High School increased their percentage of students scoring 3 or higher by 13% over a 3-year period to 83%.
Harlem High School was recognized for the highest three-year increase in total advanced placement exams. Harlem High School increased its total exams by 27% over a three-year period.
Greenbrier High School had the highest percentage of Advanced Placement exams earning 3 or higher in 2026. Greenbrier High School also had 90% of exams administered score a 3 or higher and was also recognized as the school with the highest percentage of students to take at least one AP exam, at 40% of their student population.
Grovetown High School was recognized as the school with the highest one-year increase in the percentage of AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher, rising by 6% to 82%.
Lakeside High School had the highest one-year increase in the total number of AP exams, with an increase of 20%, for a total of 1,518 exams.
Research shows that students who participate in Advanced Placement courses are better prepared for the rigor of college and post-secondary education. Regardless of exam scores, AP courses provide valuable experiences that help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for future success, said a news release from the school district.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named best local writer by readers of Augusta Magazine in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
