Union Grove HS among 2012 AP Merit Schools | Schools

MCDONOUGH, Ga. -- Union Grove High School is among the 2012 AP Merit Schools.

The honor is given annually to U.S. high schools where at least 20 percent of students take Advanced Placement exams. Of those tests, at least half must earn a passing score of 3 or higher.

The College Board, which gives AP exams every year, reported Wednesday that Georgia is the 12th state in the nation for the percentage of seniors earning passing scores on AP tests. More than 41 percent of Georgia's seniors took at least one AP exam in 2012, compared to the U.S. average of 32.4 percent.

"Georgia's students continue to outperform most of their peers throughout the country on Advanced Placement exams," State Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Barge said in a statement. "These results show that Georgia's students can compete against any students in the nation."

Advanced Placement exams offer high school students a chance to earn early college credit. Tests receive scores of 1-5; those that earn a 3 or higher may receive college credit.