The Advanced Placement Biology scores from this past spring are in at Glenwood Springs High School, and the results rank better than many in the world.

Teacher Joe Mollica reports that 17 of his 19 students passed the difficult test, and seven students received the highest grade of a five, or “extremely well qualified.” That 90 percent class passing average exceeds the global passing average of 59 percent, Mollica said.

If students receive an AP test grade of four or five, they can receive credit at most U.S. colleges and often are eligible for advanced programs and various scholarships.

Of the GSHS students taking the test, 40 percent earned a five, more than double the global average of 19 percent.

Students receiving the top score include 2003 graduates Alec Littler and James Roussos and current seniors Matt Bowles, Ryan Erikson, Cody Hillin, Michael Hoban and Jacob Zieman.

“I am very proud of the work these students completed this past year. Many students came in at 7 a.m. for review because of other afternoon and evening commitments,” Mollica said. “These students showed a lot of perseverance and a hard work ethic in addition to their natural smarts.

“The scores also show that a student who applies him/herself can achieve just as good an education here at GSHS as in any prep school anywhere in the country.”