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Capistrano Unified reports higher AP participation and pass rates; staff aims to expand freshman access
Summary
District staff reported increased AP participation and an 88.63% pass rate for 2024–25, while outlining strategies to expand access—especially for underrepresented subgroups—and noting multiple pathways including AP, IB, CCAP and articulated courses.
Capistrano Unified School District staff on Aug. 13 presented data showing increased student participation in Advanced Placement courses and a district‑wide pass rate of 88.63% for the 2024–25 school year.
Associate Superintendent Greg Merwin and a presenter identified as Dr. Urbis said 40% of the district’s high school students were enrolled in one or more AP courses last year and that participation and pass rates rose despite declining enrollment. Staff highlighted subgroup gains — including increases in Hispanic students, socioeconomically disadvantaged students and Ever‑ELs — though they noted students with disabilities still lag behind other groups in pass rates even as participation for that subgroup increased.
Staff outlined multiple college‑credit pathways available to students: AP exams, articulated CTE courses with partner colleges, CCAP courses offered at high schools in partnership with Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College (IVC), and non‑CCAP community college courses via special‑admit processes. The presentation said several AP courses exceeded a 90% pass rate and that some courses achieved a 100% pass rate.
Trustees asked for additional breakdowns, including AP outcomes for AVID students, the interaction between dual enrollment and AP numbers, and how International Baccalaureate (IB) participation might affect AP results at some campuses. Staff said AVID and IB data could be pulled and that AVID expects participating students to take at least one AP course in high school. Staff also confirmed waivers are available for families who cannot pay AP exam fees.
The presentation concluded with next steps to increase access for freshmen (expanding AP Human Geography offerings) and to support students with disabilities to enroll in college coursework.
