GCPS Responds to State Superintendent’s Decision Regarding AP Course

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) received approval from the State Board of Education to pilot the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course in the 2023-2024 school year. Students who successfully completed the course were awarded the appropriate credit.

In January 2024, the state notified GCPS that a formal course request was required for districts interested in offering AP African American Studies in the 2024-2025 school year. While this was a new process, GCPS submitted the application as directed, and the district was notified on July 10, 2024, that State School Superintendent Richard Woods reviewed the revised framework and decided not to move forward with a recommendation for adoption.

Since the state will not recognize the AP African American Studies course, GCPS will not be able to offer it as originally planned. This decision impacts approximately 240 students at six schools who have registered to take the course.

“In GCPS, we are committed to offering a comprehensive and inclusive education for each and every student,” says Dr. Calvin J. Watts, GCPS Superintendent. “The 2023-24 AP African American Studies pilot was successful, and we are disappointed that students will neither have the opportunity to take, nor to receive credit for this innovative college-level course.”

GCPS leaders are working with principals to inform students, families, and staff about these changes. Dr. Watts will continue to communicate with Superintendent Woods and the State Board of Education to explore options for including this AP course in the district’s curriculum. We will keep GCPS families informed with timely updates as new developments arise.