Jasper High earns AP Honor Roll rankings, boosts college access

Jasper High School was named to the 2025 College Board AP School Honor Roll on Jan. 12, 2026, earning silver rankings for College Culture and College Credit and a platinum ranking for College Optimization. The recognition highlights the district’s work to expand Advanced Placement access, support students earning college credit, and refine AP programs to reach more learners.

The honor signals that Jasper is moving beyond a handful of AP courses to a more systemic approach that both encourages participation and helps students convert AP work into college credit. For families in Dubois County, that combination can translate into shorter time to degree, lower out-of-pocket tuition costs, and less student borrowing — benefits that matter in a region balancing workforce needs and higher-education affordability.

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Lorey emphasized the district’s commitment to providing rigorous college-level options for students as part of broader efforts to prepare graduates for college and careers. District leaders say the recognition reflects investments in teacher training, course offerings and student supports that make AP classes accessible to a wider range of students.

The College Board distinctions speak to three distinct goals: building a pro-college culture that encourages students to attempt AP work, supporting the completion of AP exams that translate into college credit, and optimizing course placement and support so AP programs lift more students. For local high-schoolers, that optimization means AP courses are more likely to be paired with supports such as targeted tutoring, scheduling that reduces conflicts, and guidance on how AP credit applies at nearby public and private colleges.

Economic implications extend beyond individual savings. As more students graduate with college credits, area employers can expect a deeper pool of credentialed entry-level workers, and local colleges may see changes in enrollment timing and course demand. These shifts create both opportunities and budget considerations for school and municipal planners — from funding exam fee assistance to aligning high-school pathways with community workforce development.

The recognition also places a spotlight on access and equity. For AP expansion to deliver countywide gains, outreach must reach students who historically have been underrepresented in advanced coursework. That requires continued data tracking, targeted supports and community partnerships to ensure that college-credit benefits are broadly shared.

Our two cents? Families should ask counselors which AP courses best match career and college plans and whether exam fee assistance is available. For the community, the takeaway is clear: supporting AP access is an investment that can lower education costs and strengthen Dubois County’s workforce over the long run.