AP Expansion to Align with School and District Goals

Sitting across the Hudson River from New York City, Jersey City is often referred to as the “sixth borough,” given its proximity to Manhattan.

Educating approximately 26,000 students, Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) has a vision to build an educational community that provides a world-class education for every child in Jersey City. Preparing students for success means offering academically rich education that embraces the cultural vibrancy of the community.

The availability of Advanced Placement courses would be critical to help students build the knowledge, character, and leadership vital to their real-world success. JCPS’s endeavor can be summarized with three pointers: 

Start with a Vision

Set a district goal to offer a set minimum number of AP courses in every high school.

Clear Hurdles

Provide strong administrative support to remove barriers to increase not only the number of AP offerings but also the number of students enrolled.

Shift the Narrative

Proactively work to change the attitude of teachers who don't encourage all students to take AP.