Roger Bacon AP Students and Teachers Continue a Tradition of Academic Excellence

Strong 2026 AP results highlight the breadth and rigor of Roger Bacon’s academic program and the dedication of its faculty.

At Roger Bacon High School, students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically and pursue opportunities that prepare them for success beyond the Bron. The school’s Advanced Placement (AP) program is a key part of that experience, offering students the opportunity to engage in rigorous, college-level coursework across a wide range of disciplines.

Roger Bacon's Dean of Academics, Katie Durstock expressed pride in the teachers' and students' success. “The Roger Bacon AP program is built on breadth and rigor. Our students can pursue college-level work in math, science, social studies, and English, and this year we extended those offerings into technology and entrepreneurship," she said. "What I'm proudest of is that expanding access hasn't come at the cost of achievement. Our students take on some of the most demanding coursework available to them, and they succeed at it — consistently, and across every discipline.”

The results from the 2026 AP testing cycle reflect that commitment. 140 Roger Bacon students took AP exams, with 91% earning a score of 3 or higher. That result continues a strong recent trend for the school: from 2022–2026, an average of 86% of Roger Bacon students earned a 3 or higher, compared with an average of 67% from 2012–2021.

The 2026 results featured accomplishments across multiple academic disciplines. Ten AP exams had an average score of 3.0 or higher, nine exams saw at least 75% of students earn a 3 or higher and two exams also recorded results that rank among the best in Roger Bacon history.

Among the year’s highlights:

• AP Calculus AB: 100% of students earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 4.3, tying the school’s best pass rate and average score from 2024.
• AP PreCalculus: 100% of students earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 4.0.
• AP United States History: 95% earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 3.8, above the Ohio average.
• AP United States Government: 95% earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 4.1, marking the best average score in the school’s five-year history.
• AP World History: Modern: 100% earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 4.2, above the Ohio average.
• AP Psychology: 81% earned a 3 or higher, establishing the best pass rate and average score in the school’s five-year history.
• AP Physics 1: 88% earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 3.7, above the Ohio average.
• AP Chemistry: 92% earned a 3 or higher, with an average score of 3.5, above the Ohio average.
• AP Seminar: 96% earned a 3 or higher, while 83% of AP Research students earned a 3 or higher.

Celebrating Our AP Faculty

Behind every AP score is a teacher who challenges students to think deeper, work harder and embrace the demands of college-level coursework. Roger Bacon is proud to recognize the faculty members who lead these rigorous courses and help make opportunities for advanced study possible for our students.

AP Biology: Joe Hetzer
AP Calculus AB: Dave Kathman
AP Chemistry: Joleen Gardner
AP Physics 1: Autumn Meyer
AP PreCalculus: Dave Kathman
AP Psychology: Ben James
AP Research: Bridget Douglas
AP Seminar: Annie Welt
AP Statistics: Stephanie Bellman
AP United States Government: Alex Heidel
AP United States History: Paul Wittekind
AP World History: Modern: Paul Wittekind

Their expertise, high expectations and commitment to their students are an essential part of Roger Bacon’s AP success.

While the results represent an impressive accomplishment for Roger Bacon students, they also highlight the work of the teachers who challenge students to reach their potential in some of the school’s most rigorous courses.

“Our AP teachers are incredibly talented educators who represent the premiere academic experience we strive to provide at Roger Bacon," said Principal, Tim McCoy '02. "They challenge our students with rigorous, college-level content while providing the guidance and support needed to succeed. Their dedication and high expectations prepare students not only to perform well on AP exams, but also to think critically, work independently, and confidently meet the demands of college.”

The school’s five-year AP data demonstrates that the 2026 results are part of a sustained period of strong performance. In addition to the 91% success rate this year, Roger Bacon students have averaged an 86% rate of earning a 3 or higher on AP exams from 2022 through 2026.

From mathematics and science to English, social studies, technology and entrepreneurship, Roger Bacon continues to provide students with opportunities to pursue challenging coursework while receiving the support and guidance necessary to succeed.

The accomplishments of the 2026 AP students are a reflection not only of their hard work, but of the faculty members who challenge, encourage and prepare them every step of the way.

Congratulations to our AP students and the dedicated teachers who make these achievements possible. Their work continues to prepare Roger Bacon students not only for success on an exam, but for success beyond the halls of Roger Bacon High School.