Rhode Island High Schools Continue to Lead in Student Participation in Advanced Placement Courses
Published on Wednesday, June 04, 2025
In line with Math Matters RI initiative, this year’s AP Day celebration spotlighted district’s success in math-related AP courses
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, General Treasurer James Diossa, Senate Education Chair Senator Hanna Gallo, and House Education Committee Chair Representative Joseph McNamara joined students and educators from across Rhode Island today to highlight Rhode Island high schools that provide access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as the students who are excelling in them. In line with Math Matters RI initiative, this year’s AP Day celebration spotlighted district’s success in math-related AP courses.
The Advanced Placement Program enables high school students to pursue college-level studies and earn college credits based on AP exam performance, which may reduce the time and expense associated with attending college. Over the last 10 years, there has been a 9.3% growth in the number of high school graduates taking an AP Exam, making Rhode Island the state with the fourth highest growth in the nation.
“Rhode Island is committed to supporting students who take college-level courses to earn credit while still in high school as it sets them on paths for success in school and in career,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We’re excited that this year’s celebration has elevated and celebrated our students’ success in math-related AP courses. Whether budgeting in daily life or preparing for advance college courses, math matters, and this year’s awardees demonstrate the success that is possible when we embrace math.”
The State of Rhode Island offers qualified public high school students the opportunity to take college courses from Rhode Island’s public higher education institutions as part of their high school requirements, at no cost to the student or family. Currently, almost 40% of Rhode Island public school graduates leave high school taking an AP exam. Nearly 2,400 Rhode Island students took AP exams at no cost during the 2024 – 2025 school year thanks to the state’s investment in expanding access for these courses.
At the event, leaders touted the success of the rollout of AP Precalculus courses. Across Rhode Island, 74% of all AP Precalculus students score a 3 or higher on the AP exam. Among the high schools celebrated at the event, 95% of their students achieve a 3 or higher. The success of our AP Precalculus rollout elevates the importance of our Math Matters RI campaign led by Governor McKee and Commissioner Infante-Green. As part of this focus on math, the state developed a partnership with College Board and Khan Academy, which granted a no-cost opportunity to all local education agencies (LEAs) to enhance SAT preparation and student success through the integration of Khan Academy Districts and Khanmigo tools.
“As educators, our job is to prepare students of all backgrounds for success, and the availability of AP courses is critical,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Whether through Career and Technical Education, or Advanced Placement courses, RIDE is working to ensure all students are equipped with what they need to thrive during their educational journey and graduate prepared for college and career. We are encouraged that many students are excelling in math-focused courses and look forward to continuing to spread the message that: math matters!”
AP courses available to students in Rhode Island include Computer Science Principles, Precalculus, Seminar, and African American Studies among many other subject areas. Public colleges in Rhode Island have established minimum eligibility criteria for high school students who take AP courses.
“We are so proud of every student applying themselves and reaching for college credits by taking AP courses. Every Rhode Island student has the potential to succeed when given the right opportunities; we are working harder than ever as a state to create those opportunities in every district,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “This AP Day, Rhode Island extends its warm congratulations to those students who will enter college with AP credits, and we encourage every student to continue to go above and beyond.”
“AP Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of students who choose to challenge themselves with Advanced Placement courses, as well as the teachers and schools who provide those opportunities,” said Secretary of State Gregg Amore. “As a former AP teacher myself, I know the value of investing the time and effort into these courses as a student, and how they set students up for long-term success in college and beyond.”
"Increasing financial literacy and empowerment are among my top priorities as Treasurer, as young people are more likely to be impacted by a lack of financial literacy,” said General Treasurer James Diossa. “Which is why the work that Math Matters RI does is so crucial. As well as having the opportunity to take college-level courses, it gives our students the chance to further their higher education without the immediate expense of university which can be a burden for many. All of this while gaining indispensable skills for their careers and life."
“AP courses challenge students, expand their horizons, and open new doors to success and opportunity,” said Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Hanna Gallo. “Rhode Island students have been national leaders in AP achievement, and going forward, we must continue making these classes and exams available to all students. I especially want to recognize the important work of all the educators who make AP programs possible.”
“While in high school, AP gives students an academic edge,” said House Education Chairman Representative Joseph McNamara. “The courses improve students’ development both academically and personally. Taking these classes provide students with the time management and critical thinking skills that they will not only take with them to college or university, but also something they will use in their personal life and in the workforce.”
Early college opportunities in Rhode Island are supported by the PrepareRI dual enrollment fund, the All Course Network, CS4RI, TwoCodes, and PrepareRI, as well as being supported by LEA-specific policies. To learn more about the State’s early college opportunities please visit: www.ride.ri.gov/StudentsFamilies/EducationPrograms/EarlyCollegeOpportunities.
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