School District U-46 students are taking more Advanced Placement exams than ever before, administrators said this week.

In addition, the percentage of students scoring high enough to receive college credit is on the rise.

In Advanced Placement courses, high school students study college-level material, and the district has set a goal of increasing the number of students participating in the rigorous coursework.

“Students that take AP, our data tells us, research tells us, are better prepared for success in college, in the workplace,” said Greg Walker, assistant superintendent for secondary education.

Last school year, U-46 students took 2,246 AP exams, up from 1,782 the year before. The district hopes to reach 3,375 by 2015.

With more and more students participating, Walker said he expected to see a decrease in the percentage of students scoring a 3, 4, or 5 — the scores typically needed to earn college credit.

However, 56 percent scored in that range last year, compared to 54 percent the year before.

Walker also touted the number of AP Scholars, students who score 3 or better on three or more exams. There were 256 AP Scholars in 2011 up from 171 in 2010.

This year Elgin and Streamwood high schools will have a chance to participate in the AP Lifeline pilot program that will provide extra support for AP calculus students through online video lessons outside of class time.

As the district looks to increase the number of students taking AP exams, Walker said it will reach out to the community to help students who want to take an exam, but can’t afford to do so. Exams cost $87 each. Some students qualify for a discount, but Walker said the cost of even one exam is still too much for some families. For other students, the price adds up because they take multiple exams.

“We have to get outside resources to help if we really want to make sure all students have truly an opportunity to sit for the AP examination,” Walker said.