Marathon High School is proud to announce another year of growth and achievement in its Advanced Placement (AP) program, reflecting the school's continued commitment to expanding access to rigorous academic opportunities while improving student success.
An analysis of five years of AP data reveals a clear trend: Marathon High School is providing more students with access to college level coursework while continuing to improve achievement across many AP programs. This accomplishment reflects years of intentional work by teachers and school leaders to create a culture where students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically and prepare for success beyond high school.
"Our goal has never been to limit Advanced Placement courses to only a select group of students," said Principal Christine Paul. "Instead, we have worked to create opportunities for more students to experience the rigor of college level coursework while providing the support they need to succeed. Seeing both participation and achievement grow is a testament to the incredible work of our teachers and the determination of our students."
Several AP programs demonstrated impressive growth during the 2026 testing cycle and over the past five years.
Highlights include:
AP English Literature
improved from a 53.3% passing rate in 2022 to 80% in 2026, exceeding the Florida state average this year.
AP Precalculus
, introduced just two years ago, increased from 24.2% of students earning qualifying scores in 2024 to 63.2% in 2026.
AP Human Geography
, Marathon High School's largest entry level AP course, expanded from 39 exams in 2022 to 50 exams in 2026, while increasing both student pass rates and average exam scores.
AP United States Government
increased qualifying scores from 5.3% in 2022 to 45.2% in 2026.
AP World History
nearly tripled participation over five years while significantly improving student performance.
These gains demonstrate that Marathon High School continues to strengthen academic rigor while providing more students with opportunities to earn college credit before graduation.
The success of the AP program is also reflected in the growing number of students receiving prestigious College Board honors.
This year, 15 Marathon High School students earned AP Scholar recognition, including two students who earned AP Scholar with Distinction, one of the College Board's highest AP Scholar honors. These awards recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple AP examinations.
In addition, numerous incoming juniors and seniors earned College Board BigFuture Recognition Awards, including the School Recognition Award, First Generation Recognition Award, and Rural and Small Town Recognition Award. These national recognitions celebrate academic achievement while helping students gain increased visibility with colleges and universities and strengthening scholarship opportunities.
"Our students continue to demonstrate that they are ready to compete with the very best," said Paul. "Whether earning AP Scholar honors, receiving national recognition through the College Board, or simply challenging themselves by enrolling in their first AP course, every one of these accomplishments represents hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence."
The school's AP success also complements Marathon High School's expanding academic offerings. Beginning this school year, students will have access to the Cambridge AICE Diploma Programme, creating another pathway for students to earn college credit, develop advanced academic skills, and qualify for Florida Bright Futures Scholarship opportunities.
"As we continue building a college going culture, we remain focused on ensuring every student has access to rigorous coursework and the support necessary to be successful," Paul said. "I could not be more proud of our students, teachers, families, and staff for making these accomplishments possible. Together, we are creating opportunities that will positively impact our students for years to come."
Marathon High School congratulates its AP teachers, AP Scholars, BigFuture Recognition Award recipients, and every student who accepted the challenge of Advanced Placement coursework during the 2025–2026 school year. Their accomplishments reflect the school's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for success in college, careers, and life.
Go FINS!