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PWCS highlights expanded AP, Cambridge, IB and new CCRV partnership as access priorities
Summary
Superintendent and teaching-and-learning staff reported growth across AP, Cambridge and IB programs, rolled out the statewide CCRV dual-enrollment partnership and proposed a $2.2 million FY27 investment in 50 special-education teaching assistants to support access and outcomes.
Prince William County Schools told the board on March 4 that it has expanded access to advanced‑academic pathways and is pursuing countywide alignment so more students can earn college‑level credit before graduation.
Superintendent Dr. Latonya McDade opened the presentation, saying the division will propose $2.2 million in FY27 funding to hire 50 special‑education teaching assistants to better support inclusion and success in rigorous coursework. "Every student deserves the support that they need to thrive," Dr. McDade said.
Associate Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Sullivan and Director of Student Learning Dr. Ashley Cramp presented enrollment and outcome data for Advanced Placement, Cambridge, International Baccalaureate and dual‑enrollment offerings. The presentation cited more than 15,900 AP enrollments across 36 AP courses and a 20% increase in AP pass rates since 2021; presenters said 2025 AP exams yielded more than 9,900 qualifying scores, potentially equating to nearly 29,700 college credits.
PWCS described the Cambridge ACE program as an internationally recognized pathway offered in several PWCS schools and said the division is the only one in the Commonwealth to offer that program. Dr. Sullivan said Cambridge, IB and AP remain complementary options and that countywide access is a priority.
On dual enrollment, PWCS said it partners primarily with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and a national network that let students take courses from universities such as Georgetown, Howard and Arizona State. The district reported more than 4,000 student enrollments in contract dual‑enrollment courses and said it launched the statewide College and Career Ready Virginia (CCRV) pathway in January; PWCS reported 177 of 250 CCRV students in the Northern Virginia pilot are from PWCS, and noted CCRV offers a uniform 32‑credit pathway that equals roughly a year of college.
Board members asked clarifying questions about program alignment, transferability of credits, and grading and retake policies for college courses. Dr. Sullivan said PWCS is performing a comprehensive audit of specialty programs to bring data back to the board and guide decisions about where to invest or realign offerings.
Student representative Karina Grover urged equitable course access countywide and praised the CCRV option that allows students to take dual‑enrollment courses regardless of their home high school. The board discussed next steps including communications to families and strengthening middle‑school advisement to prepare students for advanced pathways.
