While the High School of Fashion Industries' legacy and century-long reputation in the world of art and design education are renowned, another accolade is on the rise: its Advanced Placement academic program. 

Melissa Frank, HSFI's Assistant Principal of both the Science and Advanced Placement departments, has been a keeping rock solid track record of enrollment and test score performance. Both are soaring to new heights, and she's proud to report the data over the past five years (post Covid):

• During the 2025-2026 Academic Year, an unprecedented 69% of HSFI students taking Advanced Placement courses achieved the pass rate of 3 or higher.

• In just five years, this score has surged from 32% in 2022.

AP testing is done nationwide each May, with a 5 being the highest score. Students get college credit when they score a minimum of 3 out of 5 on a test.

• In the same year, the Advanced Placement program had its highest enrollment on record, with a total of 194 students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grade combined.

"HSFI is a dual focused school, so this is a tremendous accomplishment," Ms. Frank said. "It shows colleges that HSFI students are engaging in rigorous college level course work while they are in high school. It demonstrates a level of mastery. Colleges are looking for much more than just your GPA. SUNY and CUNY schools will advance AP students to the next course level." 

There are also financial benefits to taking AP courses. Ms. Frank explained, "Students who are taking two or three AP level courses are going into college saving a lot of money. In some colleges, one credit can cost $1,000.00. In some cases, taking AP courses in high school can allow a student to finish college a semester or even a year early, and that saves a lot on tuition." 

While taking three AP courses is not recommended, it is encouraged that all HSFI students take at least one. 

Admission to these rigorous  AP courses is based on strong academic performance, teacher recommendations, and a dedicated commitment to meeting college-level standards. 

"Take your work seriously starting from Freshman year, "Ms. Frank said. "Attendance and arriving on time to school every day is greatly taken into consideration, as many of the AP courses are first period. Coursework and Regents test scores are taken into consideration."

HSFI currently offers the following 12 Advanced Placement courses across the arts, humanities, and STEM fields, each designed to foster deep critical thinking and academic excellence: 

• Biology

• Psychology

• Calculus AB

• Pre-Calculus

• English Language

• English Literature

• World History

• US Government

• US History

• Art History

• 2D Art and Design

• Computer Science Principles

See the link below with course descriptions:

www.hsfi.nyc/page/advanced-placement-courses

Melissa Frank is celebrating her 25th year at the High School of Fashion Industries and her and 20th year as Assistant Principal.

She has taught Elective Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching 11th and 12th grade Physics. 

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