More Advanced Placement courses means more college success.

That's what New Bedford officials said at the school year's first School Committee Meeting on Monday.

Since 2013, New Bedford has been working with the education strategy group, Mass Insight Education, to help increase the number of students taking AP courses and improve AP exam performance.

Superintendent, Pia Durkin, says just taking an Advanced Placement course goes a long way toward getting into college.

"Looking at the types of courses our kids take in high school is the number one factor when admissions officers look at transcripts. And yes, class rank is important, and yes, grades are important and all of that, but the types of courses our children take clearly gets them in the right bin to be considered," Durkin tells WBSM News.

According to officials, enrollment in New Bedford High's math, science, and English AP courses increased from 270 class registrations in 2014 to 505 in 2015.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean 505 students enrolled in AP classes in 2015. One student can enroll in a number of AP classes, which all adds to that statistic.

With that said, Dr. Durkin is still pleased with the progress, saying it's all a step in the right direction for the district.

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