Atlanta Public Schools is continuing its push to expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, with enrollment increasing by 25% since 2023. More than 40% of high school students are currently enrolled in AP coursework across the district – reflecting a steady expansion of access to rigorous, college-level learning.

While participation in AP courses is increasing, achievement levels on AP exams are rising as well for APS, which is counter to the typical trend. In 2022, 47 percent of the 4,378 AP tests taken in the district earned a score of 3 or above. In 2025, 60 percent of the 5,637 AP tests administered resulted in a score of 3 or above. 

APS bolsters its commitment to being the metro area leader in growing the number of students taking AP courses by helping to relieve the financial burden on students and their families. For those students eligible for free or reduced-price breakfast/lunch, the district pays 90 percent of the $99 test fee, and 85 percent for all other students.

“We are expanding access to rigorous coursework and ensuring more students are prepared for success beyond graduation,” said APS Superintendent Bryan Johnson. “This is about opportunity, readiness, and equity.”

The growth highlights APS’ commitment to strengthening its instructional core and ensuring every student has equitable access to high-quality academic opportunities for college and career success.

Inside APS classrooms, educators are actively working to open doors– encouraging students to take that next academic step.

“According to our registration dashboard with the College Board, we have ordered over 7,500 exams for students to take this spring,” said Dwionne Freeman, the district’s director of career, technical and agricultural education.

At Benjamin E. Mays High School, the number of AP course offerings has grown from eight in 2023 to 13 currently, the most the school has had since it opened in 1982. 

“We have a number of students who want to attend some of the top colleges and universities in the country,” said Mays High School principal Dr. Ramon Garner. “In order for those students to be successful, they have to be exposed to rigorous AP courses. It is our duty to make sure that they get that exposure.”

That same commitment to expanding opportunity is also taking shape at Coretta Scott King (CSK) Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Principal Eulonda Washington is helping lead that effort by identifying student potential, encouraging enrollment, and ensuring students have the support they need to succeed in AP classrooms. 

“As a result of our students embracing AP classes, CSK now has one of the highest seamless post-secondary enrollment rates in the district. An 81% seamless post-secondary enrollment rate is a testament to the fact that CSK students are enrolling into competitive colleges/universities and are prepared for the rigor that comes with earning a college degree,” Washington said. “I believe that this is a direct correlation to the AP courses offerings here at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy.”