Apponequet Regional High School

Apponequet Regional High School offers Advanced Placement courses in English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, European History, United States History, Psychology, Calculus, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Spanish, French and Studio Art. Students may also access AP courses through VHS.

A total of 354 Advanced Placement exams were administered to 200 students in May, 2018. Overall, 55% of all students in grades 11 and 12 took at least one AP exam, and 76% of the exams administered received scores of “3” or above. Students scored above state averages in 10 subject areas.

The honor roll is composed of students who have met high academic achievement standards. It is created when report cards are issued. There are three categories of academic honors: Highest Honors - no grade lower than an A High Honors - no grade lower than an A- Honors - no grade lower than a B.

Selection for Membership: A student who has achieved an academic average of 3.6 at the conclusion of his/her second or third year of study at ARHS is eligible for membership in the National Honor Society. The student will be notified in writing of his/her eligibility and will be invited to complete an application for admission. The application, reviewed by the National Honor Society Advisory Council, will provide the council with documentation of the student's leadership skills, high moral character and participation in at least 10 hours of school and community service.[9]

Virtual High School is an on-line/distance learning opportunity. Through VHS, students enroll in unique courses not traditionally available at ARHS. Students may earn up to 2.5 credits per semester or up to 5 credits per year and may choose from a catalog of semester and yearlong courses, including Honors, College Preparatory, and Advanced Placement. VHS classes take place entirely over the Internet and mirror the format of college courses. The structure of VHS courses requires productivity, initiative, and self-direction from students who will be entirely accountable and responsible for their own learning. Students enrolled in VHS report to the Library or another assigned space to attend class. However, students can complete their work at any time during the week, as long as work is posted by specified due dates. A site coordinator is available for assistance and distribution of materials and progress reports. Students are chosen on a first come first served basis with preference given to seniors and juniors. Students may not enroll in any VHS course that is currently being taught at ARHS. VHS courses count toward a student’s GPA and class rank. VHS courses also count toward fulfillment of the graduation requirements.

All students in the Class of 2019 are required to earn 110 credits as well as earn a Competency Determination through participation in MCAS testing in order to graduate. All students in the Class of 2020 are required to earn 115 credits as well as earn a Competency Determination through participation in MCAS testing in order to graduate. All students in the Classes of 2021 and 2022 are required to earn 120 credits as well as earn a Competency Determination through participation in the Next Generation MCAS testing in order to graduate. In order to earn a Competency Determination, all students must score above a 240 on English Language Arts and Math MCAS exams or successfully complete an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) if their scores range between 220-238. In addition, all students must pass a Science MCAS with a score of 220 or better. Students in the Class of 2021 will be subject to any scoring requirements associated with the Next Generation MCAS.[10]

The school boasts a Southern Conference Championship girls swim team and a separate two-time Southern Conference Championship boys swim team (2013 and 2014), both coached by Brett Pacheco. The girls and boys teams combined into a co-ed swim team in 2014 when they joined the South Coast Conference. Both teams went on to claim the South Coast Conference Championship titles in both 2015 and 2016. The boys swim team has remained undefeated in conference dual swim meets for the past four consecutive years (2013-2016). The swim teams practice at the George R. Austin Intermediate School pool.

The school's traditional Thanksgiving Day football rival is Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett.

Home games feature cheerleaders, the marching band, and majorettes. Each group has their own performance during half time.

The football team has won the South Coast Conference Championship 5 times - 1997, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2010.

In 2008, the football team completed an undefeated regular season (11-0), won its first outright SCC Championship, and earned a spot in the EMass D-IIA Playoffs for the first time. Unfortunately, Apponequet was defeated in the first round by powerhouse Duxbury by a score of 31-13.

The cheerleading squad is made up of students in grades 9 through 12.

In 2007 the Apponequet Cheerleading Squad was featured on the MTV reality show MADE.

Apponequet instrumental ensembles consist of a concert band, jazz band, and a marching band. The bands are under the direction of Ed Ledwith. Each year students from Apponequet's band audition for various festivals put on by Massachusetts Music Educators Association and the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association. Apponequet's marching band performs each year at home football games with a halftime performance and in various local holiday parades. The concert band performs a winter and spring concert each year, as well as making other musical appearances.

Jazz Ensemble is a performing group that rehearses one evening per week. Students learn how to perform music in various jazz styles, and practice their improvisation skills. The Jazz Ensemble performs at ARHS concerts and competition festivals, as well as local events.

Apponequet has five choral groups. One is the general concert choir, which is led by Ed Ledwith. There are also three select choral groups.

On July 12, 2007 the Apponequet Summersing choir performed both The Star Spangled Banner and O Canada at Fenway Park for a Boston Red Sox game versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

DECA is an international association of high school marketing students.

Two productions are completed each school year. In the fall a play is performed and in the spring, a musical.

The Environmental Club is a volunteer organization of students interested in environmental issues.

High School Band Majorettes participate in football games, band shows, pep rallies, parades, and other band activities. Majorettes are selected to the squad on the basis of their ability in the areas of twirling, marching, poise, and bearing, and grades. Auditions are held at the end of the school year.

The Math Team is a competitive organization which is open to all students who demonstrate a proficiency and interest in mathematics. The team competes in the Southeastern Massachusetts Conference Math League which consists of 20 teams. There are four league meets, held once every 5 weeks from October through February, with a playoff meet in March and the State meet in April. Practice sessions are held once a week throughout the year. In addition, members have the opportunity to compete for scholarships via the Annual Worcester Polytech Math Contest, the Olympiad, and the American High School Math Exam.

Apponequet participates in the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (MASC) as well as The Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils (SEMASC). The Student Council is in charge of various events, like Homecoming, Apponecon: Apponequet's Game Night, Pep Rally, Spirit Weeks, Turkey Bingo, and Dude Be Nice Week.