Three Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) comprehensive high schools were recognized for their commitment to increasing the college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. Corona del Mar (CdM) High School earned Gold, and Costa Mesa High School and Newport Harbor High School earned  Bronze. 

Launched last year by College Board, the organization overseeing the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that meet the following criteria based on data from the most recent graduating class:

• 40 percent or more of graduating seniors took at least one AP exam during high school 
• 25 percent or more of the graduating cohort scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam during high school
• 2 percent or more of the cohort took five or more AP exams during high school, with at least one of those exams taken in ninth or 10th grade, showing that students are spreading their AP experience across grades and not focusing solely on their senior-year opportunities.

In the 2023-2024 school year, 661 CdM students took 1,522 AP exams, 310 Costa Mesa students took 516 AP exams, and 718 Newport Harbor students took 1,201 AP exams. CdM offers 27 AP courses, Costa Mesa 21, and Newport Harbor 24.

This recognition highlights NMUSD’s dedication to fostering a college-going culture and providing pathways for students to challenge themselves academically. By expanding access to AP courses and supporting students in earning college credit, our comprehensive high schools are helping students gain a competitive edge in their post-secondary journeys.