AP Classes Disproportionately White
By Elian Sanchez
September 2021
AP classes are a significant part of the high school experience for many students. High achievers, or even those who want more of a challenge, choose to take AP classes.
A noticeable observation in Advanced Placement (AP) course classes—and one supported by the student lists of AP course teachers—is that these classes are made up of predominantly white students. This is most likely to be the case at Madison West High School since West is a majority white school. However, this is not just the case for West, but a trend reflected in the general population.
According to US News, West High is 54 percent white. In AP Biology, out of 88 students taking the course approximately 65 percent of students (57 students) are white. Additionally, in AP Calculus AB and AP Government, around 70-75 percent of students are also white. This trend can be seen in math, science, government, and political courses.
As a response to this data, one AP course teacher at West believes that the main cause of this unequal representation in AP classes is socioeconomic status. “I think this [data] is a reflection of society and the education system. White students, and students who occupy higher socioeconomic status have access to more opportunities in education.”
Although Madison West High is striving to make their school anti-racist, it is compelling to see that there are still divisions based on racial grounds.
Many students hope the school will further increase its attempts to encourage not just minority students, but also lower-income students to participate in the Advanced Placement programs. These courses both increase the chances for acceptance at many colleges as well as save families money by foregoing the cost of future college credits.
For lower-income students, there are waivers that allow test-taking for free.
September 2021
AP classes are a significant part of the high school experience for many students. High achievers, or even those who want more of a challenge, choose to take AP classes.
A noticeable observation in Advanced Placement (AP) course classes—and one supported by the student lists of AP course teachers—is that these classes are made up of predominantly white students. This is most likely to be the case at Madison West High School since West is a majority white school. However, this is not just the case for West, but a trend reflected in the general population.
According to US News, West High is 54 percent white. In AP Biology, out of 88 students taking the course approximately 65 percent of students (57 students) are white. Additionally, in AP Calculus AB and AP Government, around 70-75 percent of students are also white. This trend can be seen in math, science, government, and political courses.
As a response to this data, one AP course teacher at West believes that the main cause of this unequal representation in AP classes is socioeconomic status. “I think this [data] is a reflection of society and the education system. White students, and students who occupy higher socioeconomic status have access to more opportunities in education.”
Although Madison West High is striving to make their school anti-racist, it is compelling to see that there are still divisions based on racial grounds.
Many students hope the school will further increase its attempts to encourage not just minority students, but also lower-income students to participate in the Advanced Placement programs. These courses both increase the chances for acceptance at many colleges as well as save families money by foregoing the cost of future college credits.
For lower-income students, there are waivers that allow test-taking for free.