Precalculus AP Course Experiencing Rapid Growth, Transforming K-12 Mathematics Education

In the educational landscape of the United States, a significant shift has been underway. The introduction of Advanced Placement (AP) Precalculus in various school districts has been making waves, particularly in Florida's Seminole County public schools.

When the course was first introduced in the district, 1,377 students took the exam, achieving an impressive passing rate of 83.4%. This marked a notable increase in participation, especially among Black and Latino students in AP STEM subjects.

The success of AP Precalculus can be attributed to several factors. For one, the district offers a Bridge to AP Precalculus program during the summer, open to any Algebra 2 student interested in taking AP Precalculus. This program provides a smooth transition for students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigorous course.

Another factor is the financial benefit. By offering AP Precalculus, the district has saved students money by providing college credit. This has made advanced math courses more accessible to a larger number of students, many of whom may not have been able to afford dual-enrollment options.

The positive impact of AP Precalculus has been observed not only in Seminole County but also in other large districts such as Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida and Dallas Independent School District in Texas. These districts, among others, have reported increasing student participation, especially among ethnic minority students, in the past few years.

The College Board's Advanced Placement Precalculus course, launched in 2022, aims to expand students' access to advanced math courses. This initiative has been successful, with AP Precalculus becoming the fastest-growing AP course in the nation in just two years.

As of the upcoming fall, 1,530 students are enrolled to take AP Precalculus in Florida's Seminole County public schools. This number is a testament to the course's growing popularity and its ability to fill a long-standing gap in the district by giving more students access to college-level math, especially those not on the calculus track.

The story of AP Precalculus in Seminole County is not unique. Greenwich High School in Connecticut has also seen an increase in AP Calculus participation following the introduction of AP Precalculus. Even schools in smaller districts, such as Morgan County schools in Decatur, Alabama, have started offering AP Precalculus in the 2023-24 school year.

In conclusion, AP Precalculus has proven to be a valuable addition to the curriculum in many U.S. schools. It has boosted participation in STEM subjects, provided college credit opportunities, and filled a gap in access to advanced math courses. As more districts adopt this course, we can expect to see continued growth and success in AP Precalculus.