Tomball ISD Students Earn Record Number of AP Scholar Recognitions

TOMBALL — Tomball ISD students are celebrating another record-breaking year of achievement in the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program, earning 1,067 AP Scholar recognitions — an increase of 311 recognitions from last year.

The 2026 results represent nearly double the number of AP recognitions earned by Tomball ISD students just two years ago in 2024 and mark a 203.1% increase since 2022, when the District began strategically targeting and expanding its Advanced Academic programming.

This year's record results come on the heels of a record-breaking year for AP participation and scores across Tomball ISD, providing another powerful measure of the impact of the District's commitment to rigorous, college-level learning opportunities.

Among this year's recognitions were:

• 365 AP Scholars
• 193 AP Scholars with Honor
• 406 AP Scholars with Distinction
• 83 AP Capstone Diplomas
• 19 AP Seminar and Research Certificates

Compared to last year, Tomball ISD saw an increase of 61 AP Scholars, 44 AP Scholars with Honor, 113 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 23 AP Capstone Diplomas.

Students across all three Tomball ISD high schools earned recognition, with Tomball High School students earning 474 total recognitions, Tomball Memorial High School students earning 520, and Tomball Star Academy students earning 73.

• AP Scholars: Students who earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
• AP Scholars with Honor: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
• AP Scholars with Distinction: Students who earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.

Tomball ISD students also earned 83 AP Capstone Diplomas and 19 AP Seminar and Research Certificates through the District's AP Capstone program, which provides students with opportunities to develop college-level research, writing, collaboration, and presentation skills.

The AP Capstone Diploma is awarded to students who earn qualifying scores in both AP Seminar and AP Research, as well as on four additional AP Exams. The AP Seminar and Research Certificate is awarded to students who earn qualifying scores in both AP Seminar and AP Research.

Tomball ISD began strategically targeting growth in Advanced Academics in 2022, and the results have continued to build year after year. Since then, the District has seen a 203.1% increase in AP Scholar recognitions, demonstrating the impact of expanded access, intentional programming, and the commitment of teachers and students across Team Tomball.

Tomball ISD continues to expand access to AP courses and other advanced academic opportunities, ensuring students have opportunities to challenge themselves, earn college credit, and develop the knowledge and skills needed for success beyond high school.

The 2026 AP Scholar recognitions are another example of Team Tomball's commitment to academic excellence and preparing every student for success in college, career, and life.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 26 campuses.