Who knew that scoring in single digits on a test was a good thing?

For 36 students at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, certain single-digit scores on The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program tests have earned them national acclaim.

The College Board has named these students AP Scholars for scoring at least a three or better on at least three AP examinations.

“To have these students recognized for all of their scores on all these tests lets us know that our students are, in fact, learning the material at the college level and are being successful,” said Brenda Kincaid, headmaster of upper school for NSA.

The AP program offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses in high school, and have the chance to receive college credit for their work based on their performance on the end of the year AP Exam. The exams are scored one to five.

Kincaid said most colleges and universities will give class credit for a score of a four or five on the exam, and some institutions will give credit for a score of three.

The AP Scholar honors are given to those students who scored above a three on multiple exams. The College Board gives several levels of achievement, based on student performance.

At Nansemond-Suffolk Academy:

Alex Dakos was given the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of four or higher on all AP Exams taken, and grades of four or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Lauren Achtemeier, Keely Criddle, Alex Dakos, Kersti Francis, Gary Kafer, Lisa Kessler, Matthew Kloeppel, Achal Patel, Meera Venkataraman, Skylar White and Kyle Williams were given the AP Scholars with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Ashley Anderson, Jim Hassell, David Leber, Carter Pearson and Ben Willis earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award by getting an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of three or higher on four or more of those exams.

Yousra Aboulatta, Brock Barbeau, Andrea Beale, Hunter Dewing, Katharine Everett, Richard Fiebrandt, Mary Kate Fowler, Deidre Herbert, Jaime Iiams, Jayme Mantos, David McCracken, Emilee Nystrom, Sachi Patel, Eliza Peak, Alice Persons, Jaclyn Ramsey, Erin Tennant, Rebecca Wendland, Kristen Whalen and Bobby Writtenberry qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Examinations, with grades of 3 or higher.

Kincaid said last year the school had 134 students in grades 10 through 12 take 271 tests in 15 different subject areas.

“We’re proud of our students, and we’re proud they have been this successful,” she said.