Pacifica Stories

Pacifica offers 14 different AP courses, ranging from AP U.S. History to AP Computer Science and many in between. While a students’ initiative to complete an AP course is a remarkable feat in and of itself, Pacifica students have continuously proven their excellence and competence in AP classes through above-average performance in the daunting end-of-year AP exams. This past year was no different, and stands out with particularly impressive score statistics. 

This past spring, 111 Pacifica students sat for a total of 247 AP exams. AP Exams are scored on a scale of one to five, with anything above a three being a passing grade. Over 89% of these students passed their exams with scores of three or higher. Nearly 30% of students scored the highest mark, a five, on their exams. These exciting statistics reflect both the hard work and dedication of our students, as well as the successful guidance and instruction of our faculty.

Pacifica’s history department had a 100% pass rate on the AP European History and AP United States History exams, with 79% receiving a four or five. Many students and parents at Pacifica commend the history department for creating a uniquely rigorous, yet unified learning environment. Prior to the start of the semester, Mr. and Ms. Comer (who co-teach AP European History) send an email to all of their students addressing their expectations for the class’ attitude towards the course. They tell students that they will conquer the AP test as a class and cheer on their peers while studying together, and how testing together at the end of the year is an opportunity to succeed as a community. Their incredible scores on the exam showed that this unique approach to classroom learning is not just theory or rhetoric, but a mindset that students buy into which translates to student success. Many Seawolves name AP Euro as their favorite class in high school, commonly stating that it was one of the most difficult, yet rewarding academic experiences. 

We are incredibly proud of the commitment that our students and teachers have to learning, not only on an individual level but as a community. While we know that test scores aren’t everything, they are certainly worth recognizing and celebrating. We anticipate another year of academic success on the AP exams, and more importantly, another group of students who have learned to think and live well in community.