The Blackstone Valley

Valley Tech Ap Students Excel in College-Level Courses

UPTON — For more than ten years, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School has offered Advanced Placement (AP) courses as an option for high school students interested in enrolling in college-level courses. Growing interest in the AP program indicated that students were willing to take on the rigorous academic curriculum offered through AP courses. Since 2008, enrollment in these programs has grown exponentially. This growth paired with the success of individual students over the past three years has been astounding.

Growing interest in the AP program at Valley Tech indicated that students were willing to take on the rigorous academic curriculum offered through AP courses. Since 2008, enrollment in these programs has grown exponentially. This growth paired with the success of individual students over the past three years has been astounding.

Current AP courses offered at Valley Tech are diverse including: AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Biology, and AP Physics. These courses are offered in addition to the comprehensive dual track education uniquely offered through a vocational education. As a result, students are ready for the workforce, college, or any other path they may choose.

In 2010, Valley Tech partnered with Mass Insight Education joining the Mass Math & Science Initiative (MMSI). MMSI is the state's largest high school math and science program promoting expanded access to college-level AP courses throughout the Commonwealth preparing students for college and career success. MMSI is led by the National Math and Science Initiative to address the drastic decline in math and science education in the United States.

Since 2008, Valley Tech's AP enrollment has skyrocketed with an increase of more than 328% in AP math, science, and English programs. In addition to growth in the MMSI supported AP programs of AP math, science, and English, participation in AP U.S. History at Valley Tech has also grown an impressive 227%.

John A. Smolenski, Regional Director of Mass Math & Science Initiative voiced enthusiastic support of Valley Tech's success stating, "The remarkable success of Valley Tech's AP program is simply breathtaking."

The appeal for students to enroll in AP courses is clear. Students have the opportunity to earn credits toward college courses by earning qualifying scores of 3 or greater on the AP exams. In many instances, these students are able to move to upper level college courses more quickly giving them a distinct advantage as they pursue post-secondary education. The number of Valley Tech students receiving qualifying scores has increased by 284% over the past three years.

"The pairing of career and technical education and high-level academic course offerings creates a whole new breed of students who are highly skilled, workforce ready, and exceedingly prepared for the next steps in their education or careers," stated Anthony Steele, Director of Curriculum and Student Services at Valley Tech. "We are tremendously proud of the growth of Valley Tech's AP program and the success of our students."

In addition to the AP courses already offered at the school, preliminary plans are in progress to expand course offerings for the future to potentially include AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Statistics, and AP Environmental Science.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.

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About the Chamber

The mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley and meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the eleven towns in the Massachusetts BV Region: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. For more information on the Chamber please contact administrator@blackstonevalley.org or call 508 234 9090 X101.