New Jersey High School AP Scores Soar Past State Average

For years, students at David Brearley High School watched their Advanced Placement exam scores hover between 2.0 and 2.75, just shy of the 3.0 needed to earn college credit. But something changed in 2024, and now these New Jersey students are proving that patience and hard work can flip the script entirely.

The turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. During the 2026 testing cycle, David Brearley students averaged 4.67 in AP Spanish Language and Culture, crushing both the New Jersey state average of 3.66 and the global average of 3.53.

The winning streak didn't stop there. In AP World History Modern, students scored an average of 4.25, compared to 3.64 statewide and 3.21 globally. AP English Language and Composition saw similar success, with students averaging 3.89 against the state's 3.60 and the world's 3.21.

The school serves students in Union County and currently offers 13 AP courses spanning 14 exams. Options range from AP Seminar and AP Research to AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and AP Environmental Science, giving students multiple pathways to challenge themselves.

Superintendent Jeremy Davies credits the district's teachers and administrators for their commitment to college readiness. The results presented at the July 20th Kenilworth Board of Education meeting showed clear evidence that focused support works.

The Ripple Effect

This academic comeback is creating waves beyond test scores. When students see their peers succeeding in rigorous coursework, it changes what they believe is possible for themselves.

The district now plans to encourage more students to enroll in AP courses while maintaining these high performance levels. They're also working to strengthen rigor across all classes, not just AP and Honors sections, to close what educators call the "challenge gap."

Principal Vincent Cuccaro and his team are building an academic culture centered on excellence and opportunity. By proving that below average performance isn't permanent, they're showing other schools a roadmap for improvement.

The goal isn't just about numbers on a scoreboard. It's about preparing every student for higher education and careers, regardless of where they're starting from.

These results demonstrate that when educators refuse to accept mediocrity and students rise to meet higher expectations, entire communities benefit from the transformation.