New this fall: Free AP tests for all!

Money should never be the deciding factor for a student pursuing academic excellence, so beginning this fall the district will begin covering the cost of Advanced Placement tests for all students.

During the 2018/19 school year, we had 876 Advanced Placement (AP) students: 176 from Bethel High, 272 from Spanaway Lake, and an impressive 428 from Graham-Kapowsin.

That’s a lot of students, and in fact all three of our comprehensive high schools have been recognized for being in the top 1% in the country for ensuring equitable access to AP classes for all students.

District leaders want to keep that trend going, which is why Bethel will begin covering the cost of AP tests for all students. Previously the district covered the cost of one test per student. Now, all students will have all their tests covered, no matter how many AP classes they take.

“This will help provide a level of equity,” said Superintendent Tom Seigel.

This new shift will ensure that the cost of the tests ($94 each) won’t discourage students from challenging themselves in high school.

The district will also begin covering the cost of the ACT or SAT tests (which test is yet to be determined) for all juniors this fall. And students in the Cambridge program at Bethel High School will continue to have all of their test costs covered.

These are just a few ways our district is helping students overcome financial barriers so they can get the most academically out of their high school careers.