FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AP Achievement Reaches an All-Time High as IB Diploma Attainment Continues to Rise
TAMPA, Fla. (July 8, 2026) — Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is celebrating another year of outstanding achievement in its accelerated academic programs, with students earning a record Advanced Placement (AP) exam pass rate and more International Baccalaureate (IB) seniors earning prestigious IB Diplomas than ever before.
Preliminary results released by the College Board show that HCPS achieved a 71% AP exam pass rate in 2026, the highest in district history. A qualifying AP score can help students earn college credit, save on future tuition costs, and gain a head start on postsecondary success.
AP Highlights:
The district's AP pass rate increased from 70% in 2025 to 71% in 2026, marking continued progress in student achievement.
Since 2022, HCPS has increased its AP pass rate by an impressive 18 percentage points, rising from 53% to 71%.
Nearly 20,000 AP exams taken by HCPS high school students earned qualifying scores this year.
HCPS also celebrated strong results from its five International Baccalaureate programs. Preliminary data shows 416 seniors earned their IB diploma, a 3.6% increase over the previous year, opening the door for more students to qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and pursue their college and career goals.
Among the district’s highlights, Strawberry Crest High School achieved an exceptional 99% IB Diploma rate, the highest in the school’s history and accomplished with its largest graduating IB cohort to date.
“These results reflect the talent and dedication of our students, as well as the exceptional work of our teachers, school leaders, and support staff,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “We are committed to expanding access to rigorous coursework across Hillsborough County, and it is inspiring to see more students not only participating in advanced academic programs but also excelling in them.”
To learn more about HCPS’s accelerated programs, visit: symmeselementaryschool.com