DALTON, Ga. — Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that The Dalton Academy and Dalton High School have been named 2026 Advanced Placement Honor Schools by the Georgia Department of Education.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods named 316 AP Honor Schools from 110 school districts for 2026. The recognition is based on the results of 2025 AP courses and exams and highlights schools that provide students with access to rigorous, college-level coursework while supporting strong academic outcomes.
"Georgia's 2026 AP Honor Schools reflect our continued commitment to providing students with rigorous, high‑quality learning opportunities that prepare them for life beyond high school," Superintendent Woods said. “These schools demonstrate a strong dedication to academic excellence by challenging students and supporting them as they rise to meet high expectations. By expanding access to advanced coursework, they are helping ensure more Georgia students have the opportunity to graduate prepared for college, careers, and a successful future."
The Dalton Academy was recognized in the following categories:
AP Access and Support Schools
The Dalton Academy was named an AP Access and Support School, a designation for schools where at least 30% of AP exams are taken by students who identify as African American and/or Hispanic, with at least 30% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. Schools must administer at least 25 AP exams to qualify.
AP Challenge Schools
The Dalton Academy was also named an AP Challenge School. This recognition is awarded to schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students that administer AP exams in English, math, science and social studies, with a minimum of 25 total exams administered.
Dalton High School was recognized in the following categories:
AP Access and Support Schools
Dalton High School was named an AP Access and Support School for expanding access to AP opportunities while supporting student success on AP exams.
AP Schools of Distinction
Dalton High School was named an AP School of Distinction, a recognition for schools where at least 20% of the total student population takes AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earn scores of 3 or higher.
AP STEM Schools
Dalton High School was also named an AP STEM School. This recognition is awarded to schools with a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses, including courses such as AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics and AP Computer Science. Schools must also administer at least 25 AP exams.
“We are proud of the work happening at The Dalton Academy and Dalton High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft. “These recognitions speak to the dedication of our students, teachers and staff and reflect our continued commitment to providing meaningful opportunities, expanding access to advanced coursework and preparing every student for success after graduation.”
Dalton Public Schools is proud to celebrate this recognition and remains committed to providing rigorous academic opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers and beyond.
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