Those FHS students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes last year received the final judgment this summer. Despite significant drops in a few subjects, the percentage of students who received a passing score of a three or better on the AP tests remained fairly constant from 1995 to 1996.

"Overall, I would say the scores are fairly constant if you take in all the factors involved," said guidance counselor Bob Moore.

The number of passing scores remained virtually the same in AP art, history and English, at 50, 43 and 94 percents respectively. However, the percentage who can qualify for college credit at certain schools took a nose-dive in the areas of math, falling from 57 to 10 percent, and psychology, dropping from 88 to 55 percent. The fall in scores can be attributed to a variety of factors.

Students have the option of taking the A-B calculus test for a semester credit or the harder B-C test for a full-year credit, according to calculus teacher Fred Longhart. Last year more students elected to take the harder test which accounts for the fall in scores.

"Those who failed the psychology test tended to have missed an inordinate number of days, primarily due to school sponsored absences," added Moore, citing the school's past high success rate in this subject.

However, FHS did offer an AP test in government last year and had 100 percent of the students pass.

"Our scores (in history) are pretty close to the nation's norm," said history teacher Mark Armstrong. "The most received score is normally a two and we had the largest percentage nearer to the four range."

Said Armstrong:

"I'm happy with the number of high scores."