Central Academy Passes the Test

“Des Moines Central Academy, a nationally known magnet school, is recognized for the excellent performance of its students. We commend Central Academy…” Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education

The Advanced Placement Program was created in the 1950s by The College Board, a non-profit membership association with the mission to create college opportunity and success for students. Advanced Placement’s college-level courses and tests provide students with an opportunity to earn college credit and advanced placement in college programs.

Des Moines’ AP program, based at the district’s Central Academy, ranks in the top 1% in the nation.

As of 2010, the Academy has produced 32 AP State Scholars, 249 AP National Scholars, 580 AP Scholars with Honor, and 1,785 AP Scholars. The average Academy student will take 5.85 AP Exams in his or her high school career. In addition, Academy teams and students have compiled dozens of statewide and national titles for the school since it was established in 1985.

Students who have graduated from Central have gone on to some of the world’s most elite universities including MIT, Stanford, and every school in the Ivy League, to name just a few. In the process, millions of dollars’ worth of scholarships and thousands of hours’ worth of college credit have been awarded to Academy students annually.

Central Academy is clearly committed to its motto, “The Pursuit of Excellence” which has become synonymous with the school, staff, and student body.

For detailed information about Advanced Placement courses, please visit the College Board’s AP Central website: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/index.html