Lake Oconee Academy has been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for its outstanding academic achievement and student success in Advanced Placement coursework, earning four prestigious distinctions as part of the 2026 AP Honor Schools program.
Announced by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, LOA received the following distinctions:
2026 AP Challenge School
2026 AP School of Distinction
2026 AP STEM School
2026 AP STEM Achievement School
The AP Honor School program recognizes Georgia schools that demonstrate excellence in Advanced Placement participation and performance. Schools are selected based on student enrollment in rigorous AP coursework, AP exam participation, and the percentage of students earning qualifying scores.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, AP Challenge Schools are schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students that administer AP exams across core subject areas including English, math, science, and social studies. AP Schools of Distinction are recognized for having at least 20% of the student population taking AP exams, with at least 50% of exams earning scores of 3 or higher.
LOA’s recognition as both an AP STEM School and AP STEM Achievement School highlights the school’s continued strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics coursework and student achievement.
“These honors reflect the incredible dedication of our students, teachers, counselors, and families,” said Dr. Brad Bowling, CEO of Lake Oconee Academy. “At LOA, we are committed to creating a culture of academic excellence where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to pursue opportunities that prepare them for success beyond high school. We are extremely proud of our students for rising to that challenge.”
Advanced Placement courses provide students with college-level learning opportunities while still in high school. Students who earn qualifying scores on AP exams may receive college credit at many universities across the country.
The Georgia Department of Education noted that Georgia continues to outperform most Southern states in AP success and ranks in the top third nationally for AP exam performance.
“These recognitions are especially meaningful because they represent both access and achievement,” said Jerante Smith, Upper School Principal at Lake Oconee Academy. “Our students are not only enrolling in rigorous courses, but they are excelling in them. This speaks volumes about the culture of learning and academic commitment at LOA.”
The Georgia Department of Education began recognizing AP Honor Schools in 2008. Superintendent Woods announced a total of 316 AP Honor Schools across Georgia for 2026.