South Hunterdon Regional School District (19-1376)

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Lighthouse District Initiative recognizes districts that have demonstrated measurable progress for equitable outcomes. Hunterdon County’s South Hunterdon Regional School District is recognized as a Lighthouse Awardee in the 2025 cohort for increasing equity in Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate® (AP/IB) course enrollment..

Lighthouse Category:
Increasing Equity in AP/IB Enrollment
Statistics:
  • South Hunterdon Regional School District has increased equity in student enrollment in AP/IB courses from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
  • Increase in Hispanic/Latino students' participation from 28.6% to 48.6%

District Equity Story

Open Access and Inclusive Practices

South Hunterdon Regional School District expanded access to AP coursework by promoting open enrollment policies and removing barriers to participation. This work reflected a broader commitment to ensuring that advanced learning opportunities were inclusive and representative of the entire student population.

Academic Supports for Student Success

A daily FLEX period provided structured academic support and enrichment opportunities for all students, particularly those enrolled in AP courses. This built-in support system helped ensure that increased access was paired with meaningful opportunities for success.

Course Pathway Development

South Hunterdon Regional School District redesigned curricular pathways, including its science sequence, to ensure that all students had access to AP-level coursework by senior year. These changes strengthened long-term preparation and expanded participation.

Removing Financial Barriers

Scholarships were provided to cover AP exam fees for students who qualified for free or reduced lunch, ensuring that financial constraints did not limit participation.

Utilization of Quantitative Data

South Hunterdon Regional School District used multiple data sources, including PSAT, NJSLA, benchmark assessments, and ACCESS for ELLs data, to identify students with the potential to succeed in AP coursework. This data-informed targeted outreach and individualized academic advising.

Page Last Updated: 06/01/2026