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.

Boston Public Schools has partnered with Zūm to provide a new and improved platform for parents/guardians to track their student’s school bus. Download the Zūm App to view your student's school bus assignment, track rides in real time and receive alerts when the school bus is arriving, receive alerts in case of delays, and much more.

Policies & Responsibilities

Transportation staff, bus drivers, students and parents all have important roles in the safe operation of our school transportation system. Please review the roles and responsibilities for each listed below.

Responsibilities

Parents & Guardians

Parents/Guardians/Daycare providers are responsible for the safety and conduct of their child prior to the arrival of the school bus at the child’s designated bus stop.
Have students at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to scheduled bus arrival time.

It is important for students to be at their stops before the bus arrives, so that they will not cause the other students to be late.
Also, when a school bus is stopped for any length of time, the wait causes an unsafe traffic buildup in front of and behind the bus.

Discuss student responsibilities with your child.
Encourage your children to obey all traffic rules, signs, and signals.
If appropriate and comfortable, discuss any medical issues regarding your child (i.e. EpiPen use, etc.) with the driver.
Never ‘chase’ the bus either on foot or by car.
Do not board the bus for any reason.
Never pass a bus when the red stop sign is visible and/or the yellow flashing lights are on.
Before your child boards the bus, please ensure their personal belongings are labeled with their first and last name. This helps ensure any lost belongings get back to you.

Students

Arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. The driver is NOT permitted to wait for students.
When the bus arrives, stand well back from the curb or stopping point and wait until the bus comes to a full stop.
Do not put your head or arms out of the windows when on the bus.
The school bus is an extension of the classroom and the same expectations for behavior and community apply to both.
Do not eat or drink on the bus.
Students are expected to be courteous and obedient to the driver.
Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited.
Weapons, explosives, or any other dangerous articles are prohibited.
The ignition of matches, lighters, etc. is prohibited.
No object is to be thrown into, out of, or inside the bus.
Students must not use obscene language, gestures or gang signs.
Fighting, yelling or loud talking is not permitted.
Bullying, harassment or intimidation of others is not permitted.
Students will never use the rear emergency exit except upon the direction of the driver or other authority.
Willful destruction or defacing of school bus or private property surrounding school bus stops is prohibited.

Bus Drivers & Bus Monitors

Bus Drivers

The primary responsibility is the safe operations of the school bus.
At all times, provide for the safety and welfare of the students assigned to his/her bus.
Provide a clean, sanitary, and safe bus for student transportation.
Obey traffic laws and driving regulations.
Follow the school bus schedule as rigidly as conditions will permit.
Be in control of the bus and passengers at all times.
Shall not permit unauthorized persons, including their own student, to ride the bus.
Set a good example of conduct, language, cleanliness, and dress for the students.
Shall not smoke on the bus or on school property at any time.
Conduct emergency evacuation drills as directed.
Enforce the regulations of the Board and administration.
Report all infractions involving school bus discipline to the bus contractor and school administrator via a “Bus Incident Report”.
Report all detectable bus maintenance problems to the bus contractor’s office.
Do not talk on the phone or text while driving.
Report any of the following to the Bus Contractor’s Office:

Any accidents in which the bus is involved.
Any complaints from the public not associated with the conduct of students.
Any possible hazards encountered.
Any causes for failure to operate on schedule.
Any recommendations concerning road conditions, routes, or schedules.

Bus Monitors

Watch for any concerns that may arise on the ride to/from school.
Manage student behavior.
Assist the bus driver with the orderly departure of the students and/or emergency evacuations.
Assist with loading and unloading of wheelchairs for students with disabilities.
Assist the driver with the cleanliness of the bus.
Demonstrate team work with bus driver daily.

AM Pick Up

Boston Public School buses are allowed a 10-minute window to arrive before or after the scheduled pick up time.

In the mornings, students are expected to be at the bus stop ten minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time. We encourage parents/guardians to download and utilize the Zum app to see your child's bus assignment and track their bus.

Students/Parents must be visible at the bus stop, not waiting inside the home or car. Drivers may bypass a stop if they do not see any student/parent waiting.

Bus Drivers are not allowed to blow the horn at bus stops.

If you believe your child’s bus stop was missed, please call 617-635-9520 and a customer service representative will assist you. If it is confirmed that the bus did not service your child's stop, we will arrange a backup bus to be sent to pick up your child.

Backup buses are not available immediately and are sent out upon availability after 9:30 am.

PM Drop Off

School staff members are responsible for placing students on the correct bus during dismissal time. The school staff is responsible for releasing drivers from school. Bus drivers should not be leaving without being cleared to do so by school staff.

BPS buses are allowed a 10 minute window to arrive before or after the scheduled dropoff time. We encourage parents/guardians to download and utilize the Zum app to see your child's bus assignment and track their bus.

Students with corner bus stops can get off the bus at their assigned bus stop without a parent/guardian present, if they feel comfortable doing so. Drivers cannot keep students, including kindergartners, onboard against their will if the bus is at the assigned stop. However, students may stay on the bus if they do not want to get off (such as if their parent or guardian is not at the bus stop). BPS officials will then try to locate the parent or guardian. Parents should make sure their children are familiar with the surroundings at their bus stop and know the safest route to walk home if no one is there to meet them.

Student with door-to-door bus stops cannot be let off the bus without a parent/guardian present under any circumstances. If a parent/guardian is not at the stop, BPS officials will try to get in contact with the parent/guardian and arrange for them to meet the bus.

Students assigned to corner stops can get off the bus without an adult present at any age. Please make sure your children are familiar with the surroundings at their bus stop and know the safest route to walk home by themselves. For students in second grade and younger, we strongly encourage having an adult meet your student at the stop. Drivers cannot keep students, including kindergartners, onboard against their will if the bus is at the assigned stop. However, students may stay on the bus if they do not want to get off (such as if their parent or guardian is not at the bus stop). BPS officials will then try to locate the parent or guardian.

Students assigned door-to-door transportation must meet the bus at the street and have an adult present for both pick up and drop off. If a parent/caregiver is not at the stop, BPS officials will try to get in contact with the parent/caregiver and arrange for them to meet the bus. Please note: If a student no longer requires door-to-door transportation, their IEP needs to be updated to implement that change. Please connect with your school’s special education coordinator for further details.

Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us at 617-635-9520, through our Support Portal, or by email at schoolbus@bostonpublicschools.org