Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Hamilton Township School District (21-1950)
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Lighthouse District Initiative recognizes districts that have demonstrated measurable progress for equitable outcomes. Mercer County’s Hamilton Township School District is recognized as a Lighthouse Awardee in the 2025 cohort for increasing equity in Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate® (AP/IB) course enrollment..
Increasing Equity in AP/IB Enrollment
- Hamilton Township School District has increased equity in student enrollment in AP/IB courses from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
- Increase in Hispanic/Latino Student participation from 18.3% to 20.3%
- Increase in Black or African American Students participation from 12.8% to 18.4%
- Increase in participation for Students who are Two or More Races from 11.3% to 32.2%
- Increase in participation for Students with Disabilities from 0.4% to 1.2%
- Increase in Multilingual Learners participation from 1.3% to 4.5%
District Equity Story
Student Outreach and Awareness
Hamilton Township School District implemented “Potentially AP” assemblies across its high schools to increase awareness and understanding of AP coursework. These sessions provided students and families with information about expectations, workload, and the benefits of enrollment, helping to demystify advanced coursework.
Removing Financial Barriers
The Board of Education approved funding to cover AP exam fees for all students, ensuring financial barriers did not prevent participation in advanced coursework.
Expanding Access to Advanced Coursework
Hamilton Township School District expanded pathways into AP courses by reducing barriers to entry and encouraging broader participation among students who were not traditionally enrolled in advanced coursework.
Collaborative Leadership and Partnerships
Hamilton Township School District’s leadership, including curriculum supervisors, teachers, and postsecondary partners, worked collaboratively to develop programming and expand opportunities for students to earn college credit.
Use of Data to Inform Practice
Student performance data were reviewed to guide recommendations and expand participation, while avoiding strict cut scores that limited access.
