Three Bibb County schools have received the Georgia Department of Education's Advanced Placement (AP) Honor School Distinction.
According to a news release from the school system, Howard, Rutland, and Westside High Schools were all named 2012 AP STEM Schools.
The distinction is based on the results of 2011 Advanced Placement exams and success in AP classes.
Criteria include factors like student demographics, pass rates and scores on exams, and pass and retention rates in classes.
State School Superintendent John Barge said, "much of this success can be attributed to the dedication to rigor and excellence at our AP Honor Schools."
At least 20 percent of the student population at all AP schools take the required exams, and at least 50 percent of those students earn scores high enough to receive college credit for their high school course work.