Boston Public Schools Reports Record Growth in Advanced Placement Participation and Student Success

District has increased qualifying AP scores by 65% since 2022, with nearly two-thirds of exams earning college-credit qualifying scores.

Boston Public Schools Reports Record Growth in Advanced Placement Participation and Student Success

District has increased qualifying AP scores by 65% since 2022, with nearly two-thirds of exams earning college-credit qualifying scores

BOSTON – July 15, 2026 – Boston Public Schools (BPS) reports continued growth in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and student success. The 2026 AP Score Reports released by College Board show gains in access to college-level coursework and strong performance on AP exams.

This year, 4,069 BPS students participated in Advanced Placement coursework and took 7,277 AP exams across 24 district schools. Of those exams, 4,665 earned a qualifying score of 3 or higher, resulting in a 64% districtwide qualifying rate. Today, 30% of all BPS students in grades 9–12 take at least one AP exam.

Since 2022, AP participation has increased by 25%, while the number of qualifying scores has grown by 65%, raising the district’s overall qualifying rate from 50% to 64%. The number of AP exams taken has also increased by 29% over the same period.

“This year’s AP results demonstrate the impact of our commitment to expanding access to rigorous academic opportunities through initiatives like AP Access for All,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are seeing the highest AP participation levels and the highest percentage of students earning qualifying scores in BPS history, showing that when we remove barriers and provide students with the right supports, they rise to meet the challenge. More students than ever are enrolling in college-level coursework, earning college-credit qualifying scores, and building the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed for success beyond high school. I am grateful to our educators, school leaders, students, and families for their continued commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

The district’s continued growth builds on years of strategic investment in expanding AP access through initiatives such as AP Access for ALL, increasing course offerings, strengthening teacher professional development, and providing students with additional academic supports, including mock exams and test preparation resources. These efforts have helped more students enroll in Advanced Placement courses and improve student achievement.

The 2026 results also show expanded access across student groups. Since 2022, AP participation has increased by 54% among Hispanic/Latino students and 42% among Black students, reflecting the district’s commitment to more students engaging in rigorous coursework and earning college credit while still in high school.

“Expanding access is only meaningful if students are equipped to succeed once they enter these courses,” said Deputy Superintendent of Academics Dr. Simone Wright. “The steady increase in qualifying scores shows that our instructional priorities, educator support, and intentional focus on academic excellence are helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in college-level coursework.”

BPS continues to broaden Advanced Placement opportunities across its high schools. Between 2018 and 2025, the district increased AP course offerings by 20%, and students now have access to a growing range of subjects, including AP African American Studies, one of the district’s most popular newer courses. Several schools also plan to introduce AP Business and Financial Literacy and AP Cybersecurity in the coming school year.

“Every AP classroom represents an opportunity for a student to discover what’s possible for their future,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Office of College, Career & Life Readiness Brett Dickens. “Whether students are earning college credit, strengthening their college applications, or developing the critical thinking and perseverance needed after graduation, these experiences prepare them to confidently pursue their next steps. We’re proud that more Boston students than ever are taking advantage of these opportunities.”

Earlier this year, BPS, alongside the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, hosted an Advanced Placement roundtable at TechBoston Academy, where Mayor Michelle Wu, Commissioner Pedro Martinez, Superintendent Mary Skipper, and BPS students discussed the impact of AP coursework on college readiness and personal growth. During the conversation, students reflected on how Advanced Placement courses helped them build critical skills such as resilience, time management, self-confidence, and academic perseverance while encouraging more of their peers to challenge themselves through rigorous coursework. The 2026 AP results demonstrate that these investments in expanding access and supporting student success are translating into measurable outcomes across the district.

Instructional Programs

Dual Language / Two Way Bilingual Program

In this program model, about half of students in the classroom are speakers of the program’s partner language (e.g. Spanish) and the other half are English speakers, taught by qualified teacher(s). Instruction is provided in both languages with the goal that students will become bilingual or biliterate. The program entry grade levels are K1 to 2 and 9 to 11. Students between grade levels 3 and 8 must be assessed by the school in the partner language to enter the program. ML students also receive English Language Development (ELD) instruction, which is designed to teach English to ML students.

Program Information

Program Information

Program Types

American Sign Language Program

Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Horace Mann School (HMS) is a K0-12 American Sign Language (ASL) and English dual language program providing an asset-driven education for deaf and hard of hearing children. Horace Mann School provides a Parent Infant Program (PIP) for families of deaf and hard of hearing children from birth to age 3, ensuring that these students enter school with the early language foundation necessary for academic success. K0 through 12th grade students attending Horace Mann School engage with a rigorous standards-based curriculum that aligns with the current district and state frameworks preparing them for postsecondary success. Its language-rich environment allows students to learn through immersion in a community of strong language models and develop fluency in both American Sign Language and English. Horace Mann School empowers students as Deaf individuals to be lifelong learners and innovative thinkers with diverse linguistic, ethnic, and cultural identities.

Learn more about the Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Haitian Creole Program

Mattahunt Elementary School

In September 2017, Boston Public Schools launched the Toussaint L’Ouverture Academy at the Mattahunt Elementary School, the first Two-Way Immersion Haitian Creole Dual-Language Preschool Program in the country. The Toussaint L’Ouverture Academy is a Haitian Creole Dual Language program that serves students in grades K1-6. We provide an opportunity for students to achieve high levels of bilingual and biliterate proficiency and sociocultural competency through rigorous Haitian Creole and English dual-language instruction. The team at the Toussaint L'Ouverture Academy believes in the potential of every student and fosters a love of learning and a sense of responsibility in students to position them to realize their immense potential. We do this by providing rigorous and meaningful learning experiences - experiences that are grounded in students’ interests, contexts, and cultures and in the environment and community that surrounds and girds the school.

Learn more about the Mattahunt Elementary School.

Cabo Verdean Creole Program

Lila G. Frederick

The Lila G. Frederick is the first and only Cabo Verdean Creole/ English program beginning in K1 starting September 2026. The Lila G. Frederick will be the new home to the merged John Winthrop Elementary School and Roger Clap Elementary Schools. Situated in Upham's Corner, the Lila G. Frederick seeks to promote and upload the pillars of bilingual education— bilingualism & biliteracy, sociocultural competency, and high academic achievement. Ensuring community partnership and participation, the school will also serve as a Community Hub School.

Vietnamese Programs

Âu Cơ Preschool

Âu Cơ Preschool was the first and only Vietnamese bilingual, bicultural preschool program in Massachusetts. Starting in September of 2019, Âu Cơ PreSchool joined in partnership with Boston Public Schools to become a Universal Pre-K program. Âu Cơ provides Vietnamese dual-language curriculum to the students, teaching the same curriculum as students would learn in Boston Public Schools, in both English and Vietnamese. Students who graduate from our Universal Pre-K program will have priority registration for K2 in selected BPS schools.

Learn more about the Vietnamese Program at Âu Cơ Preschool.

Mather Elementary School

Mather Elementary became the home of the first and only Vietnamese Dual Language Program in Massachusetts in 2021. The program follows a research-based dual language model that supports students to learn academic content in both Vietnamese and English. It fosters the development of bilingualism and biliteracy while also affirming students’ cultural identities, building confidence, and strengthening the connection between families and schools.

With high-quality curriculum and instruction, a team of well-trained and dedicated bilingual teachers, and strong family/community engagement, the Vietnamese Dual Language Program is a vibrant multilingual multicultural learning space where students grow academically, stay connected to their heritage, and gain bilingual skills to thrive in a global economy.

The program is adding one grade per year and currently in SY25-26 serves grades K1-5.

Learn more about the Mather Elementary School.

Mandarin Program

Josiah Quincy Elementary School

The Josiah Quincy Elementary School launched a bilingual program that enrolls Chinese language Heritage speakers (Mandarin, Cantonese, Toishanese) and English dominant speaking students. Learning is in English for most subjects including English as a Second Language. Mathematics is taught in Chinese (Mandarin), and students take Chinese (Mandarin) language classes. The Bilingual Education Program starts in K1 and continues through 5th grade. The school is projected to cover grades K1-5th grade for the 2031-2032 school year.

Spanish Programs

Hurley K-8

The Hurley K–8 public school is a Spanish-English immersion school located in Boston’s South End. At the Hurley School, we challenge students to learn in two languages and achieve academic excellence in both. Hurley’s hallmarks are a committed, talented teaching staff, an intensive language arts curriculum, a dedication to math and science fluency, a strong commitment to the arts and an innovative after school program that engages our children in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.

Learn more abut the Hurley K-8

Margarita Muñiz Academy 7-12

The Margarita Muñiz Academy is the first dual language high school and an Innovation School of the Boston Public Schools. Muñiz Academy is dedicated to preparing citizens and leaders who are fluent in English and Spanish. Every student will be ready for college and will contribute to the community and beyond. Muñiz Academy partners with families and the community to realize our mission together.

Learn more abut the Margarita Muñiz Academy

Mario Umana Academy

The Mario Umana Academy is a Dual Language school in the East Boston neighborhood that runs from grades K1-8. Our goal is for students to become verbally and academically proficient in both English and Spanish, while also developing intercultural and global competencies that prepare them to thrive in today’s global environment.

Learn more about the Mario Umana Academy

Sarah Greenwood

The Dual Language program at the Sarah Greenwood runs in grades K1-8 (growing one grade per year), and has specialized student support services in Therapeutic Learning Center. The school uses Restorative Justice as their guiding philosophy for student and community support..

Learn more about the Sarah Greenwood K-8 School

Rafael Hernández

The Rafael Hernández Two-Way Bilingual School is a K1-6 program committed to working with parents and the community within a diverse, nurturing environment in which students use Spanish and English as constructive tools for learning. We believe students, teachers and parents should work cooperatively to set and achieve goals that maximize each student’s potential, and that develop courageous learners, effective communicators, and responsible citizens.

Learn more about the Rafael Hernández School

Sarah Roberts Elementary

The Sarah Roberts Elementary is the merged Philbrick and Sumner Schools that began as one school during Fall of 2025. The school launched a Two-Way Bilingual (Spanish/English) Program beginning in K1 and will continue to include a new grade level each year through school year 2032-2033. The school will have grades K1-6th, two classrooms for each grade by 2032-2033. The school seeks to promote and upload the pillars of bilingual education—bilingualism & biliteracy, sociocultural competency, and high academic achievement.

Blackstone Elementary

The Blackstone Elementary School/ La Escuela de Blackstone launched a Two-Way Bilingual (Spanish/ English) program beginning in K1 during the Fall of 2025. The school will continue to include a new grade each year through the school year 2032-2033. The school will have grades K1-6th grade, two classrooms for each grade by 2032-2033. The school seeks to promote and upload the pillars of bilingual education—bilingualism & biliteracy, sociocultural competency, and high academic achievement.

Transitional Bilingual Education

Transitional Bilingual Education or “TBE” is a program where multilingual learners learn content primarily in the partner language and then transition to learning more of the content in English. English as a Second Language or “ESL” is taught by a licensed teacher in the classroom or in a pull-out model and is adjusted to the level of the student. When students complete a foundational level of proficiency in English, they transition to an inclusive program where they are integrated with English speaking peers. The goal of a TBE program is English acquisition. This program is for students in all grades.

Donald J. McKay

The Donald J. McKay launched a Transitional Bilingual Education program in K2 for the Fall of 2025. It will continue to roll out and include 1st grade during Fall of 2026 and 2nd grade during Fall 2027. In each year after, 2028-2029, the school will have 3 grades with this program structure supporting Spanish dominant multilingual students who would benefit from language support as they transition to Sheltered English Immersion classrooms.

David A. Ellis

The David A. Ellis School launched a Transitional Bilingual Education program in K2 for the Fall of 2026. It will continue to roll out and include 1st grade during Fall of 2027 and 2nd grade during Fall 2028. In each year after, 2029-2030 the school will have 3 grades with this program structure supporting Spanish dominant multilingual students who would benefit from language support as they transition to Sheltered English Immersion classrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages are available in BPS dual language programs?

Currently, BPS offers dual language programs in Spanish/English in selected elementary schools and in one high school. We also offer Haitian Creole/English programming at the Mattahunt Elementary School. In addition, we also have an American Sign Language (ASL)/English dual language program at the Horace Mann School for the Deaf. BPS subsequently added dual language programs in Vietnamese/English at Âu Cơ Preschool and Mather Elementary School. More recently, BPS will launch a Cabo Verdean Creole/English program the Lila G. Frederick is expected to launch in Fall 2026.

Are dual language programs the same as two-way immersion programs?

Are there any recommendations to enroll my child in a dual language program?

It is recommended that students enter the dual language programs at K0-K2. The child must be proficient in either English or the target language of the program (for the Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Vietnamese dual language programs). In some cases, a new student who has proficiency in the target language (Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Vietnamese) may be enrolled into a DLP beyond grade 1.

Enrollment in the ASL Dual Language program at the Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is available for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and does not require proficiency in ASL or English.

Consult your local dual language program school for details and enrollment procedures.

SEI - Sheltered English Immersion

Sheltered English Immersion or “SEI” is an instructional program for English learners that has two components - sheltered content instruction and ESL instruction. Nearly all of the classroom instruction is in English, with appropriate linguistic supports for students who are learning the language. Teachers use specific techniques to make content learning in Math, Science, and Social Studies accessible to multilingual learners at all levels. English as a Second Language or “ESL” is taught by a licensed teacher in the classroom or in a pull-out model and is adjusted to the level of the student. In Boston, this type of SEI program is delivered in an inclusive setting where multilingual learners are integrated with English speaking peers throughout the school day. This program is for students in all grades.

Newcomer Program

In BPS, Newcomers are multilingual learners who have been born outside of the United States who have been in the United States for 12 months or less and have a WIDA Screener level of 1.0-2.0. Families of newcomer students who enter Boston Public Schools may choose a specially designed program known as a newcomer program. Newcomer programs are an initial and temporary placement with students moving into SEI classrooms within 1-2 years of entering the program.

Program Information

Program Information

Purpose of Newcomer Programming

The Newcomer Program is designed to support newly arrived multilingual learners and their families by providing a structured, supportive environment that integrates grade-level content instruction with targeted English language development and social-emotional supports. The program emphasizes a culturally responsive approach that addresses students’ academic, linguistic, and social integration needs as they transition into the United States and the Boston Public Schools system. Upon completion of the Newcomer Program, students transition into one of the district’s language development pathways: Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), or Dual Language programs.*

Newcomer Programs in Boston Public Schools

Grade 6-8, 9-12
- Brighton High School
- Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA)
- Charlestown High School
- TechBoston Academy
- The English High School
- New Mission
- Quincy Upper

*The Newcomer Program is an option for families not a requirement. Families can choose to enroll initially in one of these programs.

Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)

Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) are those who are learning English and have had their education interrupted or have had limited formal education before joining the district. SLIFE typically come from households where a language other than English is spoken, have educational gaps from their home country, and are at least two grade levels behind in reading and mathematics. They may have attended school in the U.S., but may have gaps in language and literacy due to ineffective or absent instruction. They are often at risk of leaving school and may require intensive support.

Program Information

Program Information

In BPS SLIFE students are all newcomer multilingual learners who:

Newcomer;
Age 9 to 22;
Entered a US school after grade 2 or exited the US for 6 months or more;
Has no formal schooling or has interrupted formal schooling, that is, two years behind or more than his/her peers, or, has consistent, but limited formal schooling;
Functions two or more years below grade level in native language literacy relative to typical peers; OR functions two or more years below expected grade level in numeracy relative to typical peers.

The primary goal of the SLIFE Program is to offer newly arrived multilingual students who have experienced limited or interrupted education a nurturing and supportive environment. Within this program, they receive intensive English language instruction, grade-level content instruction with targeted English language development and social-emotional supports. The program emphasizes a culturally responsive approach that addresses students’ academic, linguistic, and support in their native language. Additionally, they benefit from supplementary linguistic, cultural, and academic support aimed at bridging educational gaps resulting from their academic background. The program is also designed to facilitate a smoother transition into the United States and the Boston Public Schools system. Upon completion of the SLIFE Program, students move into various educational paths available at their school setting, including Sheltered English Immersion, Transitional Bilingual, and Dual Language programs.

SLIFE Programs in Boston Public Schools

Language	Elementary (Grades)	Secondary
Spanish	Blackstone (3-6) Hernandez (3-6) Umana (3-8)	East Boston High School Margarita Muniz (7-9) Newcomers Academy
Cabo Verdean		Dearborn STEM
Haitian		TechBoston Academy
Multilingual	Edison (3-6) Orchard Gardens (3-5) Mildred (3-6) Ohrenberger (3-8) Taylor-Shaw (5-6)	Boston Adult Technical Academy Brighton High School Holland Tech Madison Park Newcomers Academy

Out-of-School Time and Summer Programming

The Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education (OMME) Supplemental Services team provides out-of-school time and summer programming that expands access to high-quality opportunities for language development, academic learning, and enrichment for multilingual learners across Boston Public Schools.

Program Information

Program Information

Grounded in research-based practices for high-quality out-of-school time and summer learning, OMME’s programming supports a diverse range of multilingual learners, including:

Newcomers
Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)
Long-Term English Learners (LTELs)
Multilingual learners with Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) or IEPs
Multilingual learners not currently receiving district multilingual program services
Multilingual learners who benefit from additional opportunities for language development and academic enrichment

Our Approach and Partnerships

OMME offers a wide range of out-of-school time and summer learning opportunities for multilingual learners through multiple program models and partnerships. These opportunities include school-based Summer Learning Academies (SLA) and programs offered in partnership with 5th Quarter community-based organizations.

Across all program settings, OMME designs learning experiences that affirm students’ identities and backgrounds, support language development, deepen academic learning, and build on home languages as valuable assets for belonging and connection. Together, these school-based and community-based opportunities expand access to engaging learning experiences that foster school connectedness, support social-emotional development, strengthen language growth, and promote academic achievement.

Contact Us

Bruce C. Bolling Building

2300 Washington St
Roxbury, MA 02119

(617) 635-1565

Main OMME Contact:

OMME@bostonpublicschools.org
Monday-Friday
9am-5pm