Niles Township High School District 219 has announced that there will be no cost for Advanced Placement (AP) exams for the 2024-25 school year at its schools. The D219 Board of Education unanimously approved the decision at the September 10, 2024 meeting as a tangible way to help clear paths to success for our students, and to ease the financial burden on families. 

D219 is committed to access to AP courses for all students. Each AP exam, typically $99, is now free for D219 students who are enrolled in any AP course this school year. D219 offers more than 30 AP courses to support college and career readiness for our students.

Why is D219 increasing access to the Advanced Placement program?

• AP classes should reflect the diverse student population of D219.

• D219 is working to clear paths for students who have been underrepresented in AP classes.

• More than 80% of students at D219 enroll in a 2- or 4-year college after graduation. Students can earn college credits when they receive qualifying scores on AP exams. The credits help reduce the costs of college tuition.

• We believe all students who wish to enroll in a college or university should have the opportunity  to take an AP or college-level course and earn credit while at D219.

Why should every student consider taking an Advanced Placement class and the corresponding AP exam?

• AP courses challenge students academically and prepare them for all pathways. Studying a subject in depth provides students with an insight into a future career.

• Research shows that students who take an AP class benefit from life skills gained in the AP curriculum, regardless of their score on the AP exam. These essential skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, scholarly writing, and time management.

• Taking AP classes and exams helps students stand out during their college search.

• Students have the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while surrounded by caring and supportive staff at D219.

Students who are enrolled in an AP course this school year will receive information this fall from their school’s testing coordinator about the AP exam registration and schedule.