Five high schools within the Round Rock Independent School District (ISD) have been recognized by the College Board as members of the prestigious 2025 AP® School Honor Roll. This recognition highlights the district’s success and expansion in its Advanced Placement (AP) programs, demonstrating both increased student participation and academic achievement.
According to Michelle Swain, Director of Gifted and Advanced Academics, the honor reflects a significant commitment to informing students and parents about the advantages of advanced academic coursework. “The fact that we continue every year to grow in participation as well as performance and are seeing record numbers of students earn a three or higher is huge,” Swain stated. “Most districts are happy if they get 50% of their students earning a three or higher. Having all five of our comprehensive high schools recognized is a testament to how hard our schools have worked.”
Key Achievements Across Schools
Among the recognized schools, Westwood High School achieved Platinum status by supporting 80% of the Class of 2026 in taking at least one AP course before graduation. Additionally, 72% of these students earned college credit by scoring a three or higher on an AP exam. Notably, 42% of the class took at least five AP courses during their high school years, including at least one course as a freshman or sophomore.
Round Rock High School received Gold AP School Honor Roll recognition, with 70% of the Class of 2026 participating in at least one AP course. Of those, 63% earned college credit by achieving a score of three or higher on an exam, while 42% took at least five AP courses throughout high school.
McNeil High School received Silver recognition, while both Cedar Ridge High School and Stony Point High School earned Bronze status on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. Overall, 84% of eligible students across Round Rock ISD registered to take an AP exam during the 2025-26 school year.
Implications for College Readiness
Swain emphasized the long-term benefits of participating in AP courses, noting that students who engage in these rigorous programs are generally better prepared for the challenges of college. “We know that students taking AP courses, whether they take the exam or not, are better prepared to handle the rigor of college classrooms and coursework,” she explained. “By earning a three or higher on an AP exam, students save time and money in college while demonstrating they are ready for college-level coursework. For some students who may not have seen themselves attending a two- or four-year university, that opportunity can be transformative.”
This recognition of Round Rock ISD high schools not only highlights their dedication to academic excellence but also underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to providing students with access to rigorous educational opportunities. By fostering an environment that encourages high academic standards, Round Rock ISD aims to prepare its students for success both in college and their future careers.
