Park City students achieves highest AP pass rate in district history

Park City High School. Photo: TownLift // Rayne Moynahan

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City students are setting a new bar for academic achievement, posting the highest Advanced Placement (AP) exam success rate in district history with nearly nine out of ten test-takers earning college credit.

According to district data, 910 students across grades 9–12 sat for at least one AP exam during the 2024–25 school year, nearly 60% of the district’s high school population. Of those, 792 students earned a passing score of 3 or higher, marking the highest success rate in district history.

“These results are more than a statistic; they represent effort, equity and belief in what our students can achieve,” said Rebekka Hall, Student Support and Testing Coordinator at Park City High School. “This is what happens when a whole community supports high expectations.”

The College Board administers AP courses, which are taught at the college level in high schools nationwide. Students who pass with a 3, 4, or 5 can earn college credit or advanced placement at participating universities and potentially help them save thousands in tuition costs.

Despite a steady decline in high school enrollment over the past five years, AP participation in Park City has continued to rise. In 2021, 673 students took AP exams; this year, that number grew to 910.

By the Numbers

• 87.03% of students earned a score of 3 or higher

• 792 students passed at least one AP exam

• 50.9% of all Park City high school students earned a passing AP score

• 71.1% of the Class of 2025 passed at least one AP exam during high school

• Park City’s scores exceeded both Utah and global averages in nearly every subject

Standout Courses

• AP U.S. History: 96% pass rate, average score 4.14 (Utah: 81%, Global: 74%)

• AP Human Geography (9th grade): 90% pass rate (Global: 65%)

• AP World History: 90% pass rate (Global: 64%)

• AP Macroeconomics: 85% pass rate, up from 62% last year

• AP Microeconomics: 88% pass rate (Global: 68%)

Dream Big Program

District officials noted a key factor behind the strong results is their Dream Big program, which supports first-generation college-bound students with academic mentoring and AP exam preparation.

“Dream Big helps students walk into their AP classes confident and prepared,” said Melanie Moffat, an English language learner teacher and program coordinator. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging and academic readiness.”

This year, 10 of 12 Dream Big participants passed AP U.S. History, with additional success in AP Language and Composition, AP Chemistry, and other advanced courses. The program now serves more than 100 students annually.

Park City High School currently offers 29 AP courses, with AP Seminar and AP Music Theory joining the lineup in the 2025–26 school year. Future expansions may include AP Cybersecurity and AP Business Principles.