During a recent meeting of the board of directors, Dr. Matthews provided an insightful overview of the advanced course enrollments for the 2023-24 academic year at Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln High Schools. The discussion highlighted the district's commitment to ensuring that each graduate is \"future ready,\" a strategic goal that emphasizes the importance of students earning additional credentials alongside their diplomas.

Dr. Matthews reported a record high of 3,855 total enrollments in advanced placement (AP) and concurrent enrollment (CE) courses, marking an increase of nearly 500 enrollments from the previous year. This growth reflects a steady upward trend since the 2020-21 school year, despite a slight dip during that period.

The presentation detailed the rigorous nature of both AP and CE courses, which are designed to provide students with college-level experiences. AP courses follow a curriculum approved by the AP College Board, requiring students to achieve a score of 3 or higher on standardized exams to earn college credit. Concurrent enrollment courses, on the other hand, can be taught by vetted high school teachers or community college instructors, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.

While AP course enrollments saw a slight decrease from 629 to 594, concurrent enrollment experienced a significant surge, with 3,261 enrollments reported. This increase in CE courses contributed to a total of 8,950 college credits earned by high school students in the district, alleviating financial burdens for families as students transition to higher education or the workforce.

In addition to the enrollment statistics, Dr. Matthews announced that 13 students earned AP Scholar Awards, recognizing their achievements in AP exams. The board will honor these students at the next meeting, showcasing the district's dedication to celebrating academic excellence.

Looking ahead, the district plans to expand its offerings with new AP and CE courses, including additional science classes and business education, aimed at providing students with more opportunities to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.