Precalculus AP Course Experiences Rapid Growth, Transforming K-12 Mathematics Landscape
In a significant leap forward for diversity in STEM subjects, the introduction of Advanced Placement (AP) Precalculus has boosted participation among Black and Latino students nationwide. This transformative course, launched by the College Board in 2022, has quickly become the fastest-growing AP course in the nation.
AP Precalculus has filled a long-standing gap in certain districts, providing more students, especially those not on the calculus track, with access to college-level math. This is evident in Greenwich High School in Connecticut, where the number of students taking the AP Precalculus exam grew from 189 in the 2023-24 school year to 216 in the following year, with an average score of 4.90 in the 2024-25 school year.
To ensure accessibility for all students, Greenwich High School offers a Bridge to AP Precalculus program in the summer. This initiative has been instrumental in increasing participation, with over 1,530 students enrolled to take AP Precalculus this fall.
The impact of AP Precalculus extends beyond Greenwich. For instance, in Morgan County schools in Decatur, Alabama, the course was sought out for its cost-saving opportunity for college-bound students. In its first year, 14 students took the AP Precalculus exam, achieving a 46% passing rate. By the second year, this number grew to 57 students, with a 69% passing rate.
The introduction of AP Precalculus has also led to a reevaluation of teaching methods in precalculus and related subjects. In Florida's Seminole County public schools, AP Precalculus replaced the honors course, giving 115 students who would not traditionally have been in an AP math course access to this challenging curriculum.
The AP Precalculus course has not only increased the breadth of material covered in precalculus but also improved its rigor and formal mathematical language/notation. This has standardized a more rigorous and comprehensive study of precalculus nationwide, benefiting students regardless of their school's reputation.
In May 2024, 76% of AP Precalculus exam takers scored 3 or higher on the 1-5 scale test, with this number growing to 81% in May 2025. Over 184,000 students took the AP Precalculus course exam in May 2024, and over 247,100 students registered to take the exam in May 2025.
The growth of AP Precalculus is a testament to its effectiveness in providing students with a solid foundation in precalculus, preparing them for further STEM studies. As more schools adopt this course, we can expect to see continued improvements in diversity and academic performance in AP STEM subjects.
