Central Schools Honored For Improved Scores On AP Exams

Mililani and Leilehua high schools were two of four Hawaii high schools recognized in September by the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) for their advancement in math, science and English.

In their first year as part of the initiative, the schools, along with Radford and Campbell, combined for a 68-percent increase in qualifying scores in advanced placement over the three disciplines.

“These results are phenomenal,” stated Gregg Fleisher, NMSI senior vice president. “They (the programs) will open doors to college for these students. Many of them have parents who are serving our country and have had to make sacrifices themselves.”

The results were announced recently at Mililani High School, and the event was attended by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, state schools superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Cmdr. Bryan Dailey from the U.S. Pacific Command, among others.

The schools, which are part of the Initiative for Military Families (IMF) public high schools, accounted for 82 percent of the state’s increase in qualifying AP scores. Mililani, Radford, Campbell and Leilehua ranked first, second, third and fifth, respectively, throughout the state in the increase in qualifying scores.

Although IMF targets military dependents, the program is open to all high school students at participating schools.

“The success of this program, which should be in every school in Hawaii, shows how the DOE and the military can work together for the betterment of Hawaii students,” said state Rep. K. Mark Takai, who also was present at the announcement.

The National Math and Science Initiative’s mission is to promote college-level courses in high schools with the goal of those students attending college. According to its website, students who can pass advanced placement exams are three times more likely to finish their college education.