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Naperville 203 to develop Exploring AI, expand dual-credit courses and retire select classes
Summary
District administration proposed new high-school courses for development — including Exploring AI, AP Computer Science Principles and expanded dual-credit offerings with College of DuPage — and recommended retiring some older courses to align programs with industry and postsecondary pathways.
At the April 6 Naperville CUSD 203 Board of Education meeting, district curriculum leaders presented recommendations to develop several new high-school courses for implementation in 2027–28 and to retire select existing classes.
Jennifer Donatelli, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Andrea Schapanski, Lead Principal of Education Innovation and Workforce Development, recommended developing AP Computer Science Principles, AP Networking, Exploring AI, Culinary 2, Baking and Pastry, Advanced Acting and French 5. The administration said curriculum work will occur in 2026–27 with classroom implementation the following year. Donatelli said the French change reflects a shift from AP French to a dual-credit model with the College of DuPage so students can earn guaranteed college credit while retaining the AP exam option.
Board members pressed presenters on how AI instruction would be handled. Mark Wolinsky asked whether students also would be taught about risks and proper usage of AI; Donatelli said yes, noting the course will cover responsible use and potential harms. Trustees also discussed the district's growing dual-credit program: administrators said College of DuPage dual-credit courses guarantee college credit if a student earns a C or better, are transferable via the Illinois Articulation Initiative and save families money; the district plans 40 dual-credit classes next year and is exploring additional offerings for 2027–28.
The board did not vote on course adoptions at the April 6 meeting; curriculum overviews and additional details are available in BoardDocs. Board members asked about credentialing and timelines for students to potentially graduate with an associate degree alongside a high-school diploma, and staff said they are working on teacher credentialing and partnerships to expand core-academic dual-credit offerings.
