What It Means To Earn Platinum AP School Honor Roll Recognition

What It Means To Earn Platinum AP School Honor Roll Recognition

Intermountain Christian School Earns Platinum AP School Honor Roll Recognition

We are pleased to announce that Intermountain Christian School has earned Platinum Status on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, the highest distinction in this national program. The College Board recognizes schools whose Advanced Placement (AP) programs achieve both high student participation and strong AP test results.

This recognition affirms our commitment to college readiness, expanded access to advanced academics, and supporting students in achieving meaningful outcomes through rigorous coursework.

National Recognition for Academic Excellence

Launched in 2023, the AP School Honor Roll includes four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. In the 2024–25 cycle, only 36% of eligible high schools nationwide received recognition at any level, and just 8% achieved Platinum. This places ICS among the nation’s top-performing schools.

For ICS, Platinum Status demonstrates that students have access to diverse advanced coursework, strong participation rates, and the preparation needed to succeed.

Platinum benchmarks require 80% of the Class of 2025 to take at least one AP class, 50% to pass at least one AP course, and 15% to complete five or more AP classes during high school, including at least one in ninth or tenth grade. These measures reflect sustained student engagement, strong instructional support, and a culture that values both access and achievement.

How is this Connected to your Student’s Outcomes?

The College Board’s AP program enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school, with opportunities to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. Through AP coursework, students develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and disciplined study habits that prepare them well for college and beyond.

Research supports these benefits. According to the College Board, students who complete their first AP Exam are three percentage points more likely to graduate from college within four years. Those who score a 3 or higher on one AP Exam are six percentage points more likely, and students who earn a 3 or higher on two AP Exams are eight percentage points more likely. Additional College Board research shows that AP Exam takers have a nine-point higher four-year graduation rate than non-AP students, regardless of AP score.

For ICS, this distinction highlights the long-term value of an academic program designed to prepare students for the next stage of their academic journeys.

Advanced Placement Courses Offered at ICS

Intermountain Christian School’s AP program demonstrates a commitment to rigorous preparation in the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and technology. Students may enroll in the following Advanced Placement courses:

• AP English Language & Composition

• AP Literature & Composition

• AP Computer Science Principles

• AP Computer Science A

• AP Human Geography

• AP Government

• AP World History

• AP Biology

• AP Pre-Calculus

• AP Calculus AB

• AP Psychology*

These courses allow students to engage with college-level content and build the academic skills and confidence needed for future success.

Recognizing the Educators and Leaders Behind This Achievement

A strong academic program relies on dedicated educators and leaders. We honor the faculty and administrators who have built the AP program at Intermountain Christian School.

Congratulations to Pamela Smith, Dean of Middle and High School, and Anna Johnson, College and Career Guidance Counselor, for their leadership. We’d also like to recognize and thank Brewster Christiansen in mathematics, Becky Schumacher in English, Michelle Reed in science, Joe Dunbar in Computer Science, and Ryan Wittstock in high school social studies. Each of these educators contributes in meaningful ways to equipping and inspiring students to THRIVE. 

Serving Families Across the Salt Lake Valley

For families across the Salt Lake Valley, this achievement reflects the broader educational experience Intermountain Christian School provides. ICS is committed to offering a learning environment that combines academic rigor, strong college and career guidance, and diverse opportunities.

Our mission is to EQUIP and INSPIRE students to THRIVE in God’s world. It's truly satisfying to see an award that reflects this mission in action. 

Families looking for a Christian school in the Salt Lake Valley often seek both challenge and support. They want a school where students are known, encouraged, and stretched to reach their potential. They want challenging academics, taught with the grace of Jesus. Recognition from the Platinum AP School Honor Roll is a meaningful indicator that Intermountain Christian School is delivering on that promise.

Learn More About Intermountain Christian School

Families interested in learning how ICS supports students academically, personally, and spiritually are invited to schedule a tour and experience the school community firsthand.

The Lasting Impact of High School Retreat at Big Canyon Ranch

From the Fall 2024 Lionheart Newsletter, authored by Jennifer Adema

Ellie Menning is a graduating senior who has attended ICS since PreK. This year was her last year attending the high school retreat at Big Canyon Ranch (BCR). Reflecting on her experiences there, she goes back to 8th grade and remembers the anticipation of moving up to high school and participating in the retreat at the beginning of the school year. Ellie has played volleyball for many years and had connections to some high school girls through athletics prior to starting 9th grade. However, during the retreat, Ellie and the other freshmen were more easily able to connect to the greater high school community. 

The energy at BCR is welcoming, as the older high school students are genuinely excited for the freshmen to experience the high school retreat. As Ellie progressed through high school, her involvement in planning the retreat increased. Ellie and her friends worked to continue traditions such as the dance, games, “girl talk” and making sure the culture of hospitality and excitement carries on.

The worship time at the retreat sticks out to Ellie, as well as the varied speakers over the years. She says that there are barriers that fall down and an atmosphere of freedom is felt that helps the students connect with God more through worship. 

The friendships and familiarity that form over the retreat at BCR continue throughout the school year. Big Canyon Ranch starts the dynamic of eating lunch outside and being able to talk to anyone from any grade. Part of the uniqueness of the ICS community is that strong relationships are built and solidified through shared experiences beyond the classrooms. 

ICS dad and pastor at The Rock Church, Steele Croswhite, was this year’s speaker and worship leader. Steele spoke three times on the realities of Christ and considered it an awesome opportunity to speak to the next generation about Jesus.