Clarendon Hall earns AP computer science award

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SUMMERTON - Clarendon Hall has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded young women's access to AP computer science courses.

Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 818 achieved this important result during the 2018-19 school year - nearly 20% more than the 685 schools recognized last year. In 2019, Clarendon Hall was one of 639 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles. An additional 36 schools received the award for both CSP and CSA.

"We're proud to see the creativity, commitment and enthusiasm our female students have demonstrated in their study of AP Computer Science Principles," said Head of School Kelley Wannamaker. "As educators, we believe a STEM education plays a critical role in fostering a lifelong relationship with learning and setting our female students on a path to success in a 21st century workforce."

Wannamaker praised Computer Science Teacher Amy Magaw, who was recognized earlier this year, along with the school, for teaching Code. "Mrs. Magaw does an excellent job teaching and inspiring our students, and I am proud we are the only school in the area to receive this honor."

Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female representation in either or both of the AP computer science courses, or the percentage of female computer science examinees meets or exceeds that of the school's female population.

"Clarendon Hall is empowering young women to see themselves as creators, innovators and problem-solvers," said Stefanie Sanford, College Board global policy chief. "We hope to see even more high schools inspire female students to harness the potential of an AP computer science education."

The introduction of AP Computer Science Principles in 2016 was the largest course launch in AP Program history. In 2019, nearly 100,000 students took the AP CSP exam, more than doubling participation in three years. During that time, the number of female AP CSP students has far outpaced overall growth, with an increase of 136%.

Providing female students with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensuring gender parity in high-paying technology jobs and to drive innovation, creativity and competition. A 2014 Google study found that women are more likely to pursue computer science if they are given the opportunity to explore it in high school.

Clarendon Hall is located at 1140 S. Dukes St. in Summerton. For more information, contact the school office at (803) 485-3550 or visit the website at www.clarendonhall.org.