Virginia Beach reports gains in AP and dual-enrollment participation; staff emphasizes counselor planning
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Summary
A division presentation showed increases in AP course participation (13,675 course enrollments) and dual-enrollment activity (6,150 enrollments) in 2024–25; staff stressed that AP vs. dual-enrollment decisions should be individualized and coordinated with counselors.
Virginia Beach staff on Jan. 27 presented data showing increased participation and performance in Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment offerings for the 2024–25 year, and told the School Board that counselor-guided planning is essential when students choose college-credit pathways.
Research specialist Robert Vigel said VBCPS offered 38 College Board AP courses in 2024–25 with a total of 13,675 AP course enrollments and 7,004 high-school students enrolled in at least one AP class. He reported that 73% of students in AP classes took at least one corresponding exam and that 74% of those exam takers scored a 3 or higher. Vigel noted College Board recalibrations on several exams since 2022.
On dual enrollment, Vigel said the division recorded 6,150 enrollments across 69 dual-enrollment courses in 2024–25, with 2,158 students enrolled in at least one dual course (predominantly 11th and 12th graders). He explained that Tidewater Community College courses cost $25 per credit hour in 2024–25 when taught on the college campus, a fee the division covers for students, and that courses taught by division staff at high schools had no tuition charge.
Board members asked whether students should prioritize AP or dual enrollment when seeking college credit. Vigel and other staff answered that —it depends— on the student's postsecondary plans: AP credit acceptance varies by institution and by AP score (e.g., some universities accept only 4s and 5s for credit), while dual-enrollment credits typically transfer among Virginia public institutions under articulation agreements but may vary out of state.
Presenters emphasized equity measures: the division pays AP exam fees for students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch and partners with organizations (National Math and Science Initiative, Equal Opportunity Schools) to increase representation in advanced coursework. School counselors, the presenters said, play a critical role in matching coursework with a student's academic plan and prospective college destinations.
The board requested follow-up materials describing counselor outreach, how AP/DE growth is tracked by student subgroup, and any planned changes to messaging about credit transferability.
Next steps: staff will provide details on counselor outreach, subgroup participation trends, and guidance materials so families can make informed choices about AP and dual-enrollment options.
