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Students in Davis, Sevier, Duchesne and Washington counties earned their school districts a spot on this year's Advanced Placement Honor Roll.

Davis School District has been included on the honor roll, which recognizes districts that increase AP test participation and success rates, for the past five years. This year marks the first time for the Sevier, Duchesne County and Washington County school districts.

"This distinction is nothing compared to the preparation students are receiving for their future," Davis School District Superintendent Bryan Bowles said in a prepared statement. "AP classes are more rigorous and help students realize they can be successful."

The four Utah school districts were among 547 nationwide that were recognized by The College Board, a private company that administers AP exams.

Students receive college credit by earning a score of three or higher on AP tests, and districts are placed on the honor roll for increasing participation in AP programs, the diversity of test-takers and maintaing or improving the pass rate for students.

"We're glad we did all those things," said Brad Ferguson, director of assessment and research for the Washington County School District.

Fergusen said AP courses are one of several options available to students looking to get a head start on college-level coursework. Schools in Washington County work with students who are interested in Advanced Placement or concurrent enrollment classes.

"If any student wants to step up and try to take an AP course, we're going to let them take a shot at it," he said.

Last year, Davis High School administered 800 AP tests – the highest number of any school in the state — according to data released in October by The College Board.

Statewide, Utah students took 34,029 AP exams in 2013 and passed those exams at a rate of 67 percent.