Dothan high schools get grant for AP classes

By: Ebony Horton | Dothan Eagle
Published: March 10, 2010

Both of Dothan’s high schools are among 20 selected to lead a statewide initiative, officials announced on Wednesday.

Dothan High School and Northview High School will receive some grant money to help incorporate more students into advanced placement courses in math, science and English that will help better prepare the students for college.

The $13.2 million grant is coupled with $1.3 million from the state legislature and matching funds are expected to be raised by donors in the state over five years, according to a press release from the Home of the Alabama Best Practices Center and A+ College Ready Education Partnership.

The two high schools are among 20 new schools announced on Wednesday and 23 already participating in the program, which officials said was formed to address declining numbers of students ready for math and science careers, according to the press release.

Dothan High Guidance Counselor Courtney Bratcher said the AP courses have been beneficial in the past with helping students achieve both in high school and in college.

“If they score high enough on the AP exam at the end of the school year then it’s possible for them to earn college credit, which absolutely gets them ahead,” Bratcher said.

“The AP courses offer more challenges for the students. I think it’s been a positive change.”

Bratcher said the school already offered some AP math and English courses but also offered history through another advanced program at the school.