By Lookout Staff

September 23, 2014 – Some 400 Advanced Placement (AP) students at Santa Monica and Malibu high schools have received AP Scholar awards, School District officials announced Monday.

Santa Monica High accounted for 315 of the scholars, with an average of 3.85 out of a possible 5 on all exams, while Malibu High had 86 scholars, with an average of 3.95, according to data recently received from the College Board..

"Our District works hard to ensure our high school students have access to a variety of AP and honors courses as we believe they are capable of excelling in challenging classes," said Superintendent Sandra Lyon.

"We applaud each AP scholar and sincerely thank our teachers and staff members who contributed to such an outstanding year of success," Lyon said.

One Santa Monica student was awarded an AP International Diploma given to students who score a 3 or higher on five or more AP exams. Two of the exams must be from two different world language and culture courses, as well as exams in a wide array of disciplines.

Of the awards given to Santa Monica High students, 80 were AP Scholar with Honor awards, 117 were AP Scholar with Distinction awards and 14 went to students who received National AP Scholar status.

Malibu High had 16 AP Scholars with Honor, 39 AP Scholar with Distinction and nine National AP Scholars.

According to District officials, “AP Scholar with Honor are students who receive an average of 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams. AP Scholar with Distinction awards are granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.”

The College Board was founded in 1900 to expand access to higher education and helps more than 7 million students transition to college through programs and services, officials said.