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KAYSVILLE -- KSL has unveiled a new resource that provides a comprehensive database on Utah high schools. It's part of our KSL Schools project.
We used state data and hired a Utah research firm to do the analysis. What we came up with is detailed information about schools and their strengths. For example, what high school helps more students earn college credit?
One in every three students at Davis High School takes an Advanced Placement course. Some take several.
"Four next semester, and I had three last year," 17-year-old Davis High student Malachi Healey said.
Seventeen-year-old Tyler Wood, who also attends Davis High, told us, "I had three last year and one my sophomore year."
Students at Davis High take hundreds more AP tests than at other schools, and 86 percent of the kids pass.
The Davis AP program is not only their strength, but a tradition often engrained by families. "It's just like the culture thing. It's expected and lots of people take them, and it's, just, you know, what we do!" said 17-year-old student Logan Thorley.
AP teacher Pam Coburn said, "‘My sister had it. My brother had it,' [students say]. That's just sort of like what we do. It's more of the culture of Davis High School. The achievement is what we go for."
If you want the real proof of their heavy class load, check out the backpacks all over the floor! We found 25-pound backpacks in high school.
"I'm taking them. I want the credit so I can help myself in college," said 18-year-old student Ryan Gurr.
Students here know they can save time and money by getting a head start on their next level of education, but, believe it or not, many say they enjoy the challenge.
"I do it because I enjoy it. And the college credit is great, but I take these classes because that's what I want to be doing," said 17-year-old student Ren Gibbons.
Seventeen-year-old student Steven Hoggan said, "The AP credit is the icing on the cake, if you will. I just take it because I love it."
Administrators try to harness that enthusiasm and not let up, even in the senior year. "I want every student to take math, English, science and social studies every year that they are in school. We don't want that senior year to be a light year," said Principal Rulon Homer.
E-mail: dwimmer@ksl.com
