Opp High School was notified this week that it was one of 20 schools statewide awarded a nearly $250,000 grant for advanced placement training.

OHS was selected by the state department of education and A+ College Ready organization as part of the Advanced Placement and Incentive Program (APTIP) beginning this summer.

“The grant is designed to grow Advanced Placement classes at a high school,” said OHS principal Ron Snell. “This is a competitive grant that will be used for training, incentives and equipment. Advanced Placement courses are widely recognized as among the most effective curriculums in helping students meet and exceed college and career readiness standards.”

Snell said to be chosen by A+ and the department of education is an honor.

“They do not invest these funds in a school unless they feel that there is the structure in place to be successful,” he said.

Alabama is currently leading the nation in growth in the number of students taking AP classes and the number of students earning a qualifying score. This is especially true for the minority population, Snell said.

“When we talk of increasing our academic performance and giving our students the best possible opportunity for success in college, this is how we do it,” Opp City Schools Superintendent Michael Smithart said. “Moving to this method of teaching and raising our expectations will radically transform the academic program at both OHS and OMS.”

Snell received a letter from the state department of education that said OHS has “demonstrated the will and commitment to aggressively grow your AP math, science and English course enrollment. Your leadership and your teachers’ willingness to attend training and receive support make us believe that your school can achieve success in Advanced Placement resulting in many more students having exposure to rigorous Pre-AP and AP classes and increase in the number of qualifying scores earned by students in your school.”

Snell said there will be a parent/community meeting on Thurs., March 21, at 6 p.m. at the OHS media center