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The College Board acknowledges schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“This award is a testament to our founding mission to prepare students for post-secondary education that best fit their individual needs,” said Jessica Bond, Dean of Admissions and College Readiness at Gateway College Prep.  “We are delighted to have the highest AP ranking - it is a community-wide effort, from teachers and administration to students and parents.”

Honored schools receive Bronze to Platinum recognition based on metrics of college culture, credit and optimization.  Gateway College Prep earned Platinum distinction. 

“AP gives students opportunity to engage with college-level work, to earn college credit and placement, and build professional career skills they can use no matter what path they choose after high school,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “Congratulations to this year’s AP School Honor Roll recipients for proving it’s possible to expand participation in these rigorous courses and still drive strong performance.”

About Orenda Education
Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Orenda Charter School District, an “open-enrollment charter school district.” Fueled by educators and parents passionate about school choice, Orenda Charter School District operates four Central Texas campuses serving 2,000 students, providing innovative instructional methods to help students reach their academic and human potential. For more information, visit orendaeducation.org.

About College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP®)
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

 

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Mark your calendars!  Gateway will host our first Alumni Night on Friday, January 16!  If you are a graduate of Gateway College Prep, we'd love to reconnect!  Join us for a social hour before the Gator basketball game.  RSVP here. 

The ranking includes data on nearly 47,000 public elementary schools across the country and is based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education, most of which came from the department's Common Core of Data.

Gateway College Prep achieved a ranking in the top 10% for public elementary schools in Texas and #16 for all Texas public charter elementary schools (#2 in the entire greater Austin region).  A full list of school rankings and criteria can be found at usnews.com.

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About Orenda Education

Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Orenda Charter School District, an “open-enrollment charter school district.” Fueled by educators and parents passionate about school choice, Orenda Charter School District operates four Central Texas campuses serving nearly 2,000 students, providing innovative instructional methods to help students reach their academic and human potential. For more information, visit orendaeducation.org.

Gateway College Preparatory is thrilled to announce that three of our Gator students have been recognized as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program!

This prestigious distinction celebrates their exceptional academic promise, placing them among the top 3-5% of all National Merit Program test takers nationwide.

Congratulations to:

• Will Barney
• Will Culp
• Lucy Tijerina

These outstanding Gators earned this recognition through their remarkable performance on the 2025 PSAT/NMSQT, the initial step in the National Merit Scholarship Program competition.

While they will not advance to the final competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, their achievement as Commended Students places them in the top 4% of all students who entered the program.

We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication! 🎉 Congratulations, Gators! 🐊 #GatorPride #NationalMerit #AcademicExcellence