Principal Newsletter: Advanced Placement Information for Families

AP information newsletters are often sent to families after enrollment decisions have already been made, or written in a way that assumes families already understand how the program works. Both mistakes cost students opportunities. A clear, early AP information newsletter keeps more students in the consideration set.

Explain What AP Actually Is

College Board's Advanced Placement program offers courses taught at a college-level curriculum in high school, followed by an optional standardized exam in May. Students who score a 3 or above on the exam may receive college credit or advanced placement in introductory courses, depending on the college. The course experience, not just the exam score, is what families should understand as the value proposition.

Name Which Courses Are Available

List the AP courses your school offers. If specific courses have prerequisites, note those. If some courses have open enrollment and others require a teacher recommendation, describe the difference. Families who can see the full menu of options, with enrollment requirements for each, can have a more informed conversation with their student about what to pursue.

Describe the Enrollment Process and Timeline

When does AP course selection happen? Is it part of the standard course selection process or a separate application? Are there interest meetings with AP teachers? Is there a deadline for indicating intent to enroll? Families who miss the enrollment window often lose the opportunity for a full year. Give them the timeline early enough to use it.

Address Cost and Financial Assistance

Exam fees can be a real barrier. Name the current exam cost per test. Describe the federal fee reduction for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Note whether your district provides additional subsidies. Some districts cover the full exam cost for all students. If yours does, say so prominently. The answer to "can we afford this?" should not require a phone call.

Explain What Summer Work Looks Like

Most AP teachers assign summer work before the course begins. Families who are not expecting it are caught off guard in August. Mention that summer assignments exist, that they are typically distributed at the end of the school year, and that completing them is important for starting the course on track.

Connect to Support Resources

If your school has study groups, tutoring support for AP students, or college advisor check-ins aligned with AP course selection, name them. Families who see that the school invests in supporting AP students alongside enrolling them are more confident in recommending it to their student. Daystage makes it easy to include a resource section with links directly in the newsletter.