The Sussex Academy Advanced Placement program ranks among the top 6% of the nation in cultivating a college going culture according to data released at the Delaware Department of Education’s Celebrate AP Day in Delaware May 19 at the Biggs Museum of American Art.

The AP School of Access and Excellence Awards recognize schools committed to fostering a strong college-going culture, increasing opportunities for students to earn college credit and demonstrating a commitment to success.

Schools qualify for the awards by meeting two criteria: they were named to the AP School Honor Roll by the College Board, and they received the AP Access Award for expanding AP opportunities to all students, including those from underrepresented populations.

Sussex Academy earned Platinum for College Credit, Platinum for College Optimization and Gold for College Culture, culminating in an overall Gold with Access recognition, said DOE Student Advisement Associate Leigh Weldin.

Sussex Academy Chief Academic Officer Janet Owens said she believes the school is well on its way to an overall platinum level of achievement in the near future as more students take on more AP course work and AP exam scores improve every year.

“Only 6% of eligible schools achieve gold or platinum status nationwide, so we are extremely proud,” Owens said. “We appreciate the dedication of our teachers, counselors, students and parents to make our AP program a success. Platinum, here we come!”