The percentage of AP exams taken by Louisiana students that earned a high enough score for college credit has increased by more than 30 percentage points since 2019 — the largest increase of any state. Deputy State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson says the results show Louisiana students can meet college-level expectations, while teachers are helping them get there.
“No doubt, those teachers of these advanced placement courses deserve so much credit for learning and growing themselves, and doing a great job teaching these students,” Chiasson said.
The share of Louisiana AP exams earning a qualifying score rose from 37% in 2019 to 69% in 2026.
Chaisson says an AP Exam score 3, 4 or 5 can qualify high school students for college credit at many colleges and universities.
“Louisiana is reimagining the high school experience so more students are able to graduate ready for whatever comes next,” Chaisson noted.
Dr. Chiasson says Louisiana’s AP score rate has improved at more than twice the national rate of growth.
“A pretty big deal that Louisiana has experienced growth over the last several years in the amount of qualifying advanced placement scores,” Chiasson stated.
This data comes from the College Board, a non-profit that oversees the Advanced Placement program. The College Board recognizes Louisiana’s tremendous gains, and it also notes that just under 11% of Louisiana students who graduated from a public school last year earned a 3 or above, compared to 25% nationally.
