East St. Louis Students Excel in Advanced Placement as Illinois Ranks Among Nation's Best

East St. Louis Senior High School contributes to Illinois' top-five national ranking in AP participation and performance.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As the Illinois State Board of Education announces that Illinois ranks among the top five states nationally for Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance, East St. Louis Senior High School is contributing to that statewide momentum with continued growth and student achievement. During the 2024–2025 school year, 226 students in grades 9–12 completed AP exams across 15 different courses, with 27 students earning a score of 3 or higher, a benchmark that can translate into college credit, tuition savings, and a stronger academic foundation for postsecondary success.

Why it matters

Advanced Placement courses allow students to engage in rigorous college-level instruction while still in high school, strengthening critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills. Students who earn qualifying scores may receive college credit, potentially saving families thousands of dollars in tuition and fees while accelerating time to degree completion. Beyond credit, AP coursework builds the academic confidence and persistence necessary for long-term success.

The details

At East St. Louis Senior High School, where approximately 95% of students identify as Black, students are actively contributing to Illinois' statewide success in AP participation and performance. The district saw growth in the number of students earning a score of 3 or higher, with several milestone achievements, including a first-ever perfect score of 5 on the AP Precalculus exam, a 9th grader scoring a 4 on AP U.S. Government and Politics, and an 11th grader earning a 3 on four different AP exams.

  • During the 2024–2025 school year, 226 students in grades 9–12 completed AP exams across 15 different courses.
  • The district saw growth in the number of students earning a score of 3 or higher on AP exams.

The players

East St. Louis Senior High School

A high school where approximately 95% of students identify as Black and are actively contributing to Illinois' statewide success in AP participation and performance.

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

The state agency that announced Illinois ranks among the top five states nationally for Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance.

Arthur R. Culver

The Superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189.

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What they’re saying

“These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students and the dedication of our educators. Our scholars are demonstrating that when access to rigorous coursework is paired with strong instruction and support, excellence follows. We are proud of the way our students are rising to meet high expectations and preparing themselves for success beyond high school.”

— Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent

The takeaway

This story highlights how East St. Louis Senior High School, where the majority of students are Black, is contributing to Illinois' strong performance in Advanced Placement participation and achievement. By providing access to rigorous AP coursework and supporting students, the school is helping prepare its scholars for success in college and beyond, demonstrating that high expectations paired with strong instruction can drive academic excellence.