New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

AP Cybersecurity, a new Advanced Placement course, equips students with hands-on technical skills, problem-solving strategies, and a strong foundation in digital safety and network security.

New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

As technology continues to shape how we learn, work, and communicate, cybersecurity knowledge is becoming an essential skill for success. Boston Public Schools (BPS) is helping students prepare for that future through AP Cybersecurity, a new Advanced Placement course offered at the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) and the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science.

Part of College Board's AP Career Kickstart initiative, AP Cybersecurity combines rigorous, college-level learning with practical skills that can open doors to higher education and future careers. Through hands-on, scenario-based activities, students explore digital safety, network security, and strategies for addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Students who earn a qualifying score on the AP exam are eligible to receive college credit and an employer-endorsed credential, giving them a head start as they explore postsecondary education and career options. They also develop transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, that can benefit them across industries.

At EMK, where many students prepare for careers in healthcare, cybersecurity has a direct connection to protecting patients and sensitive information.

“For these particular students who are going into the healthcare field, it’s really important in order for them to safeguard their future patients,” said AP Cybersecurity teacher Roger Rios.

Students recognize that cybersecurity knowledge benefits everyone, not just those pursuing technology careers.

“It’s important for everyone to know (cybersecurity) so that they could pass it on to family members because they could target anyone,” said AP Cybersecurity student Branyelis Ramirez.

Jamilson Mendes, an AP Cybersecurity student at the O’Bryant, agreed, noting that “almost everybody has access to technology and the risks that technology comes with (it).”

By sharing what they learn, students can help family members and community members recognize online threats and protect their personal information. The course empowers students to become informed digital citizens while exploring skills that may lead to future opportunities in technology, healthcare, business, and other fields.

AP Cybersecurity also reflects BPS’s commitment to expanding access to challenging coursework. According to the College Board’s 2026 AP Score Reports, 4,069 BPS students took 7,277 AP exams this year, with 64 percent earning qualifying scores of 3 or higher. Since 2022, the number of qualifying scores has increased increased from 50% to 65%.

Through AP Cybersecurity, BPS is connecting classroom learning to real-world needs, helping students build confidence, protect their communities, and prepare for success in college, careers, and an increasingly digital world.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, BPS is also reinforcing digital safety districtwide through student password resets and mandatory cybersecurity training for staff and faculty.

Learn Key ParentSquare Tips & Tricks

In August 2024, Boston Public Schools partnered with ParentSquare, a school-to-home communications platform, to strengthen communications and deepen engagement with families.

We know that parents and caregivers may have questions about how to navigate ParentSquare, and BPS has compiled 12 key tips to help the community navigate the platform, and better engage with their child’s teacher, family liaison, principal, and even the central office.

Learn More About Parentsquare

ParentSquare Tip # 1

What is ParentSquare? Did you know that ParentSquare is the official communication tool for Boston Public Schools. Learn more by:

Visiting the BPS website;
Watching the overview videos in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
Reviewing the Getting Started Guide in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish

ParentSquare Tip # 2

Register for ParentSquare: All parents, caregivers, and staff can register today by downloading the ParentSquare app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Registering allows you to:

Engage with communications from school staff;
Send direct messages to school staff;
Complete forms;
View state testing scores; and
Report cards and progress reports.

ParentSquare Tip # 3

ParentSquare Mobile App: Did you know that you can receive updates from your child’s school and from the district through the ParentSquare mobile app? Download the app from the:

ParentSquare Tip # 4

Parent/Caregiver Training: Did you know that ParentSquare offers virtual training for parents and caregivers? Learn how to get started with ParentSquare by completing a short training.

Training Session.

ParentSquare Tip # 5

Set Language Preferences: Did you know that you can set your language preferences in ParentSquare? Learn how to choose your language preferences:

ParentSquare Tip # 6

Set Post Notification Preferences: Did you know that you can customize how you would like to receive notifications from your student’s school and the district? Learn more by reading this Help Article.

ParentSquare Tip # 7

Direct Messaging / Two-way Messaging: ParentSquare is the official two-way communication tool for Boston Public Schools. Parents and caregivers can send messages to their child’s teacher, family liaison, or school leader. Learn more by reading this Help Article.

ParentSquare Tip # 8

Complete Forms/Permission Slips: You can now complete school and district forms online through ParentSquare. Learn more by reading this Help Article.

ParentSquare Tip # 9

Appointment Sign-Ups: Parents and caregivers, did you know that you can sign-up for appointments with your child’s teacher, family liaison, school leader, and school support staff through ParentSquare. Learn more by watching this overview video.

ParentSquare Tip # 10

Report Cards and Progress Reports: Did you know that BPS uses ParentSquare to distribute your child’s Report Cards and Progress Reports as Secure Documents? We encourage parents and caregivers to register for ParentSquare and download the app to easily access these critical secure documents. Learn more by viewing this Help Article on Secure Documents.

ParentSquare Tip # 11

Attendance Notices: Did you know that BPS uses ParentSquare to distribute notices if your child is marked as “Absent” or “Tardy” from school? Parents and caregivers will receive a notification via email, text message, and/or via the app if their child is marked as “Absent” or “Tardy” on any school day. Parents and caregivers can also submit a note to the school indicating why their child was absent or late to school. Learn more about responding to an attendance notice by reviewing this Help Article.

ParentSquare Tip # 12

School and District Communications: Did you know that all school and district communications are sent using ParentSquare. Updates from your child’s teacher, your school’s family liaison, school principal, and even the Superintendent will be shared via ParentSquare.