Baltimore City Public Schools has generated a decade of growth and achievement in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance. With a continued focus on equity and access, City Schools has dramatically expanded opportunities for students to take rigorous college-level coursework. The results are historic.
Since 2015, the number of City Schools students taking AP exams has surged by an impressive 79 percent, climbing from 2,259 students to 4,037 in 2025. In the past two years alone, participation has grown by 30 percent, with the 2024-25 school year marking the highest number of AP test-takers in the district's history.
More students taking AP exams is only part of the story; they’re also achieving at higher levels. Contrary to national trends, where performance often dips when access increases, City Schools students have excelled. From the 2022-23 to the 2024-25 school years, the percentage of students earning a qualifying score of 3 or higher jumped by 11 percentage points.
Students are also exploring a wide range of subjects. This year alone, City Schools students sat for AP exams in 35 out of the 38 subjects offered by the College Board.
These milestones reflect the district’s commitment to preparing all students for college and career success.