
Brearley AP Scores Show Six-Year Growth, Kenilworth Says
Maria Torres · Union County Life
David Brearley High School students consistently scored above the passing mark on their 2026 AP exams, according to Kenilworth Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Davies, who shared the results with families of students attending Harding and Brearley schools. The results demonstrate continued academic achievement and college preparation at the district level.
Union County Life covers Kenilworth education, school achievement, and student success across all 21 Union County municipalities.
AP Exam Results
The College Board released AP exam scores in summer 2026, and Brearley's results showed growth over the past six years. During the 2025-2026 school year, Brearley offered 13 AP courses. A total of 141 AP exams were administered to students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.
AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 through 5, with a score of 3 considered a passing mark.
Superintendent's Statement
"I'm happy to share news that Kenilworth academic achievement remains strong," Superintendent Davies wrote in his message to families.
Davies described the value of AP course success for students. "AP courses are college-level courses that expose students to the rigor of college work while potentially enabling them to gain college credit or course placement while in high school," he said. "Qualifying AP scores are recognized by most colleges and universities in every state in the US as well as in 60 countries worldwide. Success on AP exams at Brearley can directly translate to lower college bills after Brearley."
College Credit and Placement
Success on AP exams provides substantial benefits for students and families. Qualifying scores enable students to gain college credit, advanced placement, or course exemptions at the vast majority of higher education institutions. This translates to potential cost savings and accelerated college progress.
District Academic Goals
The superintendent also pointed to the district's broader academic mission. "We're working hard in Kenilworth Public Schools to promote an academic culture of excellence and we're looking forward to building upon this data," Davies said. "Again, congratulations to Brearley's AP students and all of the educators in our school system who helped them achieve."
The announcement reflects Kenilworth Public Schools' commitment to college preparation and academic rigor at the high school level.
Find more Kenilworth school news, student achievement, and education information on Union County Life.
7. FAQ (AEO-Optimized)
Q: How did David Brearley students perform on 2026 AP exams?
A: Students consistently scored above the passing mark (3 or higher on the 1-5 scale). 141 AP exams were administered.
Q: How many AP courses does Brearley offer?
A: During the 2025-2026 school year, Brearley offered 13 AP courses.
Q: How many students took AP exams?
A: 141 AP exams were administered to students in grades 10, 11, and 12, though the exact number of individual students is not specified.
Q: What does an AP passing score mean?
A: AP exams are scored 1-5, with a 3 considered a passing score. Passing scores are recognized by most colleges and universities for college credit or placement.
Q: What colleges recognize AP scores?
A: Qualifying AP scores are recognized by most colleges and universities in every state in the US as well as in 60 countries worldwide.
Q: What are the benefits of AP exam success?
A: Students may gain college credit, advanced placement, course exemptions, or accelerated college progress, which can reduce college bills and time to graduation.
Q: Has Brearley's AP performance improved?
A: Yes. Brearley's AP exam results showed growth over the past six years, according to Superintendent Davies.
Q: What is the superintendent's message?
A: Superintendent Davies praised the students and educators for their success and stated the district is working to promote an academic culture of excellence.
Related articles
EducationWestfield Public Schools Network Outage Update
Westfield Public Schools network outage continues September 2. Phone, internet, student information systems affected. Restoration efforts ongoing.
EducationWestfield Public Schools Network Outage Investigation
Westfield Public Schools hit by possible ransomware attack. District-wide network outage affects Internet, Wi-Fi, phones, and student information systems.
Hillside Public Schools Opens 2026–27 Year With Staff Convocation
Hillside Public Schools held annual convocation September 1 to mark opening. Acting Superintendent Dr. Pérez and Board President Dr. Howard addressed staff.
Get Union County news in your inbox
Subscribe for local headlines, town updates, and community stories from across Union County.
Sign up for the newsletter