Beyond the Number: DIS Students Reach New Heights

93.39% of AP Students Earn Scores of 3 or Higher, Surpassing Taiwan and Global Comparisons

14 September 2026

Behind every number is a student who chose to take on a challenge. At Dominican International School, the latest Advanced Placement results tell a story not simply of percentages and examinations, but of determination, perseverance, and a willingness to reach beyond what is familiar. Throughout the school year, DIS students took on the demands of college-level AP courses, balancing challenging academic work with the many experiences that shape life in high school. Their efforts have now culminated in a remarkable 93.39% of DIS AP students earning scores of 3 or higher in the 2026 AP examinations, with 113 out of 121 students reaching this benchmark.

This achievement surpasses the Taiwan and global comparison percentages, making the result an especially meaningful milestone for the DIS community. More than a statistic, it represents countless hours of learning, reviewing, questioning, practicing, and persevering—and a community coming together to celebrate students who dared to challenge themselves and rise to the occasion.

Adding a special highlight to this year's achievement is Allyn Wang, recipient of the AP International Diploma, a distinction recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional achievement across a broad range of AP subjects. Allyn's accomplishment adds another proud moment to an already remarkable year for the DIS AP program and serves as an inspiring example of what students can achieve when they embrace academic challenges with dedication and perseverance.

Celebrating Achievement, Recognizing Dedication

The achievement of the 2026 AP students was formally celebrated by the school through a special recognition ceremony. Sr. Jacqueline C. Manuel, OP, Directress/Principal of Dominican International School, presented certificates of recognition to the AP students in acknowledgment of their dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments in the 2026 AP examinations.

For the students, receiving their certificates was more than a recognition of a score. It was a moment to pause and look back on the work behind the results—the lessons, assignments, reviews, examinations, challenges, and moments when they had to keep going even when the material was difficult.

The ceremony also recognized the AP teachers, whose commitment and guidance were an important part of the students' journey. Their work extended far beyond classroom instruction. They gave their time, shared their knowledge, answered questions, provided encouragement, and challenged students to think more deeply and aim higher.

A special thank-you goes to Dr. Anne Portillo and Mr. Joe Schoeman, DIS AP Coordinators, whose leadership and coordination help make the school's AP program possible. Their work behind the scenes—from supporting students and teachers to managing the many details involved in AP examinations—plays an important part in the success of the program.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated AP teachers:

Mr. Jofil Collado
Dr. Dario Panzeri
Dr. Karen Lai
Mr. Michael Hoffmann
Ms. Carolyn Hsu
Mr. Tim Sampson
Mr. Gerhard Victor
Mr. David Lein
Ms. Victoria Santiago
Mr. Bill Wolfe
Dr. Ed Solis
Mr. Andrew Hogenson

Each teacher contributes something unique to the AP experience, but together they share a common commitment: helping students discover that they are capable of more than they sometimes imagine.

At the close of the recognition, the school presented tokens of appreciation to the AP Coordinators and AP teachers in recognition of their hard work, dedication, time, and commitment to imparting their knowledge and supporting students throughout the AP journey.

Special recognition was also given to Mr. Ian Crisostomo, AP Technology Coordinator, and Mr. David Tu, MIT Staff member, who received tokens of appreciation for their valuable assistance in the ICT Lab during the conduct of the AP examinations. Their technical support and presence helped provide a smooth and supportive testing environment for students taking AP examinations in the lab.

These moments of recognition served as a reminder that an achievement such as this is never the work of one person alone. It is built through the combined efforts of students, teachers, coordinators, technology and support staff, families, and the wider school community.

93.39% is more than a number

It represents students sitting down with challenging concepts, working through difficult problems, revising their understanding, asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again. It represents the determination to take on college-level academic challenges while still in high school.

And behind those students are teachers who walked alongside them. AP courses demand much from both students and teachers. The work goes beyond completing a syllabus. It involves helping students develop the confidence to think critically, analyze carefully, communicate effectively, and apply what they have learned in unfamiliar situations. The 2026 results are therefore also a celebration of the teachers who devoted their time, knowledge, patience, and encouragement to helping students reach their goals.

The 2026 results also continue an encouraging story for DIS. The percentage of AP students earning scores of 3 or higher has grown from 80.21% in 2022 to 93.39% in 2026. During the same period, AP participation also grew, from 96 students in 2022 to 121 students in 2026, while the number of AP examinations increased from 168 to 262.

For our AP students, this achievement is about more than a number. It reflects the hard work, perseverance, and courage to take on challenges and keep learning along the way.

To our 2026 AP students, congratulations! We are proud of what you have accomplished.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our AP Coordinators, AP teachers, Mr. Ian Crisostomo, and Mr. David Tu for sharing their time, knowledge, guidance, and support throughout the AP examinations. We also thank the families who encouraged and supported our students along the way.

At DIS, we believe that education is not only about preparing students for examinations, but also about helping them grow, persevere, and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Congratulations, DIS AP students! Your achievement is worth celebrating, and your journey is only beginning.