Demopolis High School recognized 35 students Friday morning for qualifying on their AP exams last spring.

The students recognized scored at least a 3 out of 5 on the Advanced Placement tests in math, science and English. The school received the A+ College Ready grant, which helped pay for training for teachers as well as the cost of the tests for students.

“These are some academic achievements that we’re very proud to call our own,” said Leslie Gibbs, DHS AP language and composition teacher and A+ College Ready grant coordinator. “We want the classes we offer give you the best chance to succeed in college or career.”

In the 2013-14 school year, DHS saw qualifying scores on AP tests increase by 40 percent. Enrollment in AP classes also increased by 91 students in that school year.

During Friday morning’s ceremony, students received a certificate saying they qualified on an AP exam as well as a $100 gift card from the A+ College Ready Program for each AP exam they qualified on. Some students received up to $300 in gift cards.

“The grant pays for training in math, English and science, and it also includes a stipend for three years for equipment to get the classes started along with stipends for teachers who work extra time,” Gibbs added. “They also pay for the gift cards that the students received.”

Gibbs added that the grant pays $45 of the $89 test fee for the AP exams for regular students, and it pays the full cost for free and reduced lunch students. Also, depending on which college the students attend, they could also receive up to 12 credit hours for qualifying on the math, English and science exams.

DHS also offers AP classes in history, but those classes aren’t covered by A+ College Ready.

“We’re working on a way to get those included,” Gibbs said.

Including the students that qualified on the history exams, a total of 47 students from DHS earned qualifying scores on AP exams last year.