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.

Boston Public Schools Homeschooling

Partnering in your child's education

Boston Public Schools is committed to supporting families who choose to homeschool. Review the requirements, prepare your educational plan, submit your request, and find resources to support learning throughout the year.

Start a New Submission Review Requirements

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Important Dates

September 1, 20262026-2027 homeschool submission process goes live.

October 15, 2026Recommended date to submit the Intent to Homeschool and Educational Plan.

July 15, 2027End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report due.

How to Apply

Get started in five steps

Use this sequence to prepare and submit your homeschool request.

Review Requirements

Read the complete home instruction requirements and planning expectations.

Prepare Your Submission

Complete the required information and gather supporting documents.

Submit Your Intent

Submit one Intent to Homeschool request for each student using the online form.

Mid-Year Check-In

BPS may contact families during the year to review progress, resources, and the learning environment.

End-of-Year Assessment

Submit the End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report by July 15, 2027.

New submissions begin September 1, 2026. Submission of an Intent to Homeschool does not constitute approval.

Submissions & Deadlines

New process begins September 1, 2026

Families may begin submitting 2026-2027 homeschool requests.

Recommended submission date: October 15, 2026

Submit the Intent to Homeschool and Educational Plan by this recommended date.

End-of-Year report due July 15, 2027

Maintain a copy of the assessment or progress report for your records.

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Requirements Overview

Submit one Intent to Homeschool for each student.
Provide an educational plan and general learning schedule.
Verify Boston residency with two current proofs from different categories.
Provide primary instructor information and two instructor references.
Maintain student progress documentation and homeschool records.
Submit the End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report by July 15, 2027.

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Resources & Support

Learning at HomeFree learning tools and resources. Curriculum & MaterialsStandards and instructional resources. Community ResourcesLibraries, museums, and learning beyond the home. Specialized SupportsResources for specific learning needs. Returning to BPSRegistration and Welcome Services. Helpful LinksQuick access to trusted resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from families

Select a question to view the answer.

Who can homeschool with BPS?

Families who wish to provide home instruction for a student residing in the City of Boston must submit a complete homeschool request to Boston Public Schools for review and approval.

Do I need to use a specific curriculum?

No specific packaged curriculum is required. The educational plan must provide enough information for BPS to understand what and how the student will be taught.

When does the new submission process go live?

The 2026-2027 homeschool submission process goes live on September 1, 2026.

How does BPS monitor homeschool programs?

BPS may conduct a mid-year check-in with families to review progress, resources, and the learning environment. Families must also maintain progress documentation and submit an End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report.

What is the deadline to submit my Intent to Homeschool?

October 15, 2026 is the recommended date for families to submit the Intent to Homeschool and Educational Plan.

Will a BPS staff member visit my home?

No. A BPS mid-year check-in is not a home inspection.

When is the End-of-Year Assessment due?

The End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report is due by July 15, 2027.

What if I need help or have questions during the year?

Contact the BPS Homeschooling Office at homeschooling@bostonpublicschools.org or call 617-635-9050.

How do I submit forms and assessments?

Use the online submission form for a new Intent to Homeschool. Keep copies of submitted materials for your records.

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2026-2027 Intent to Homeschool Mail in form

2025–2026 End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report

2026–2027 End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report (coming soon)

2026-2027 End-of-Year Assessment/Progress Report Mail in form (coming soon)

Please note: Online submissions are generally reviewed within 7–10 business days, while mail-in submissions may take approximately 15–20 business days after receipt due to additional processing and manual entry. Processing times may vary if additional information or documentation is required.

How do I return to BPS if we decide to re-enroll?

Families may return to BPS at any point. Review current registration requirements and begin the re-enrollment process through BPS Welcome Services.

BPS Registration and Re-Enrollment, opens in a new tab

What are the requirements for an educational plan?

The educational plan must describe the proposed home instruction program and provide enough information for BPS to understand what and how the student will be taught. Review the complete requirements page for the other information that must accompany the request.

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What should families keep for their records?

Retain the BPS approval letter, educational plan, curriculum information, assessments, work samples or other progress documentation, and other homeschool records. The approval letter serves as documentation that the home instruction program was approved for the applicable school year.

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We are here to help

Contact the BPS Homeschooling Office with questions about your submission, requirements, or homeschool records.

BPS Homeschooling OfficeOffice of Expanded Learning Opportunities
2300 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

Email the Office