A+ College Ready, in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, is recognizing 17 program schools statewide for record academic growth during their time in the A+ College Ready program. Each of these schools will receive one of three awards: the A+ College Ready ‘School of Distinction’ award, the ‘School of Excellence’ award, or the ‘Mary D. Boehm School of Achievement’ award.
“In order for students to be successful in life after K-12 schooling, they need to be challenged and supported in school. We are so proud of this year’s schools for their dedication to the program and subsequent success for students. This commitment to high expectations and rigor in the classroom will have a lasting impact on these students for years to come.”
Dieatra Howie, Vice President of A+ College Ready
School of Excellence
Schools receiving the 2026 School of Excellence award met or exceeded their academic goals for the 2025-2026 school year. High schools met or exceeded their individual goals for qualifying scores on the spring 2026 Advanced Placement (AP) exams by increasing the number of AP qualifying scores. Middle schools met or exceeded their individual goals on the PSAT 8/9 exam.
i3 Academy:
i3 Academy Middle School
Madison County Schools:
Central School
Madison County Elementary School
Roanoke City Schools:
Handley High School
St. Clair County Schools:
Moody High School
Springville High School
St. Clair County High School
Tuscaloosa City Schools:
Northridge High School
Tuscumbia City Schools:
Deshler Middle School
Winston County Schools:
Lynn High School
School of Distinction
Schools receiving the 2026 School of Distinction award have met or exceeded their academic goals for at least two years in the A+ College Ready program.
Cullman City Schools:
Cullman High School
Pike Road City Schools:
Pike Road Jr. High School
Russellville City Schools:
Russellville Middle School
Tuscaloosa City Schools:
Northridge Middle School
Mary D. Boehm School of Achievement
Schools receiving the 2026 Mary D. Boehm School of Achievement award have met or exceeded their academic goals for all three years in the A+ College Ready program.
Etowah County Schools:
Hokes Bluff Middle School
Fort Payne City Schools:
Fort Payne Middle School
Walker County Schools:
Bankhead Middle School
About A+ College Ready
A+ College Ready, a partnership between A+ Education Partnership and the Alabama State Department of Education, is a statewide initiative that partners with secondary schools to develop a diverse pipeline of students prepared for success in college, career, and life by expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) and other challenging coursework in grades 6-12. During their time in the three-year grant program, participating schools receive high-quality training, incentives, supplies, curricular materials, student study sessions, AP exam subsidies, and other ongoing support.
A+ Education Partnership works to create an Alabama where every student has access to a world-class education, regardless of circumstance. Driven by our relentless belief in every child, we partner with educators, communities, and policymakers to advocate for and expand access to a high-quality education so that every student can thrive. Learn more at aplusala.org.
Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board.
