Detroit Students Excel: Advanced Placement Gains Signal a New Era of Opportunity

The sound of applause filled the room last Tuesday as Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Superintendent Nikolai Vitti shared an encouraging update about Advanced Placement (AP) exams during a meeting. After years of pandemic-related educational setbacks, DPSCD students are making a significant comeback. The number of AP exams taken during the 2023-24 school year rose to 2,181, up from 1,707 in the 2018-19 school year. Even more noteworthy, the number of exams with college-credit-earning scores increased from 364 to 656 during that same period. These gains reflect a growing commitment to equity and access in Detroit’s educational landscape. The College Board, which administers AP courses and exams as well as the SAT, provides a pathway for high school students to experience college-level coursework. For too long, such opportunities were limited to a select few, but Detroit’s students are steadily reclaiming their place at the table. At Tuesday’s school board meeting, this progress was celebrated as students who earned honors through the College Board Recognition Program were recognized for their achievements. “What College Board is trying to do is recognize increased access in schools and districts for students who have typically not had access to Advanced Placement,” said Vitti. “This...