(SIS) — Saipan International School proudly announces that 29 of its students have been recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board for the 2024–2025 academic year — the highest number in the school’s history. This milestone highlights the school’s continued leadership in academic achievement both within the CNMI and in the broader Pacific region.
These prestigious honors are granted to students who demonstrate college-level mastery on Advanced Placement exams. At SIS, awards were given across all three core levels of AP Scholar distinction:
The AP Scholar award is given to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
The AP Scholar with Honor distinction requires students to have an average score of at least 3.25 on all exams taken, with scores of 3 or higher on at least four exams.
The highest level, AP Scholar with Distinction, is awarded to students with an average score of at least 3.5 across all AP Exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. These designations reflect sustained academic excellence and readiness for university-level work.
AP Scholar with Distinction recipients: Jiho Kong (11), Dong Gyu Lee (11), Dong Hyun Lee (11), Victor Nash M. Santos (11), Charlie Wei Li (12), Christian F. Newman (12)
AP Scholar with Honor recipients: Asa V. Backe (11), Irin Chung (11), Kyle M. Kramer (12), Milarose Jeanne M. Magno (12)
AP Scholar recipients: Irene J. Park (10), Jeongbin Park (10), Joshua Yoo (10), Jason T. Yu (10), Zi Hao Zhou (10), Jungwon Huh (11), Misha Kim (11), Scarlett C. Kim (11), Eva Lizunova (11), Omari J. Joab (12), KwangHee Lim (12), Charlene T. Son (12), Hangyeol Son (12), Ian J. Song (12), Will C. Sosa (12), Yi Sui (12), Elizabeth N. Tom (12), Jinhee Woo (12), Jacky Zhen (12)
Several students also received the AP Capstone Diploma, which requires successful completion of both AP Seminar and AP Research courses, as well as scores of 3 or higher on four additional AP exams. This rigorous credential emphasizes advanced academic research, critical thinking, and scholarly communication — skills vital for success in college and beyond.
This record-setting year comes on the heels of other major recognitions for the school. Saipan International School was named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll at the Platinum level — the highest possible designation — for its high access, performance, and student success in AP coursework. SIS students earned scores of 3 or higher on 85% of all AP Exams taken in 2025, far exceeding global averages. The school also remains the first and only AP Capstone Diploma school in the CNMI, and this year, 23 students or 100% of SIS, passed the AP Seminar course, a foundational component of the Capstone program.
In total, 29 of the 57 SIS students in grades 10 through 12 who took AP exams — over 50% — earned AP Scholar recognition. When measured against the school’s entire high school enrollment, this means that 41% of SIS high school students were nationally recognized for their academic performance by the College Board. By comparison, most schools across the United States report that 10–20% of their AP students earn Scholar recognition.
“This is more than just a record-breaking year — it’s a reflection of our students’ determination, our faculty’s expertise, and the high expectations we set as a school,” said Dr. Ron Snyder, outgoing headmaster of Saipan International School. “We’re proud of each scholar, and we celebrate the hard work and discipline that brought them to this moment.”
Incoming Headmaster Martin Jambor also praised the achievement: “SIS continues to raise the bar for academic excellence in the region. The success of these AP Scholars showcases the incredible talent and dedication within our student body. I’m honored to be joining a school community where such accomplishments are both expected and celebrated.”
Saipan International School currently offers 16 AP courses, including the sciences, humanities, mathematics, economics, and the full AP Capstone program. As the first AP Capstone school in the CNMI, SIS continues to lead the region in both participation and achievement in college-level academic preparation. Beginning this year, SIS will also implement the College Board Pre-AP Program to strengthen foundational skills and readiness for advanced coursework. The new Pre-AP course offerings will include Pre-AP English 1, Pre-AP English 2, Pre-AP Algebra, Pre-AP Geometry with Statistics, Pre-AP Algebra 2, Pre-AP World History and Geography, Pre-AP Biology, and Pre-AP Chemistry, ensuring students are challenged and supported from the outset of their high school journey.
For more information, visit the school’s website at: https://www.saipaninternationalschool.com
