CISGZ Wins “Expanding AP Access in China” Award at College Board Forum 2026

Three years ago, the Advanced Placement (AP) program at the Canadian International School of Guangzhou (CISGZ) was small but full of potential. A handful of courses challenged students to think deeply, explore new ideas, and prepare for the future. Yet one question was often heard in classrooms and hallways: “Can we have more AP courses?”

Students were not asking for an easier path. They were asking for more opportunities. They wanted to study subjects they were passionate about, pursue academic interests aligned with their goals, and challenge themselves at a higher level. AP courses give students the opportunity to experience university-level academic rigor while still in high school. They help students strengthen critical thinking, research, writing, and time-management skills, while demonstrating academic readiness to universities around the world.

Instead of making decisions from the top down, CISGZ listened. When students expressed interest in new subjects, teachers and school leaders paid attention. Conversations became plans, and plans became new courses.

Today, that growth is clearly visible. In just three years, the AP program has more than tripled in size at CISGZ. In the 2026-2027 academic year, CISGZ offers 9 AP courses, and will administer 120 AP examinations for 72 students in 17 subject areas in May 2027. This expansion creates more opportunities than ever for CISGZ students to pursue their passions and academic goals.

At this year’s 2026 College Board China Forum in Shenzhen, that commitment was recognized when CISGZ received the College Board’s 2026 Expanding AP Access in China Award, an achievement that reflects the collective efforts of the entire school community.

Accepting the recognition on behalf of CISGZ, Mr. Matthew Kerr, AP Coordinator and Head of Social Studies, reflected on what made the achievement possible:

“This award from College Board recognizes the work of our whole CISGZ community. In three years, our AP program has more than tripled, and many of our new courses were added because our students asked for them.

Expanding access means listening to students, trusting what they tell us, and building our program around their passions. For CISGZ, this award is not simply about numbers or growth. It is about creating a culture where student voices matter and where learning opportunities evolve in response to students’ interests and aspirations.

As the school looks ahead, we are all encouraged by the same thing that started it all: students continuing to ask for more. More opportunities. More challenges. More ways to learn. With gratitude to the College Board for this recognition, to the colleagues and leadership team who believed in the vision, and to the students and families whose enthusiasm continues to drive growth, our AP journey continues.”

Why AP Matters at CISGZ

The rapid growth of the AP program at CISGZ reflects a growing understanding of the value that Advanced Placement courses bring to students.

AP courses are designed to mirror the rigor of introductory university classes, helping students develop the skills needed for success beyond high school. Students learn to think critically, conduct research, analyze complex information, communicate effectively, and manage demanding workloads with confidence.

For many students, AP is about more than university admissions. It is an opportunity to explore subjects they genuinely enjoy, whether that is Physics, Computer Science, Economics, or Calculus. AP courses allow students to dive deeper into their interests, challenge themselves academically, and discover potential future fields of study and careers.

CISGZ students often describe their AP classes as some of the most rewarding experiences of their high school journey. While the courses are demanding, students value the opportunity to engage with complex ideas, participate in meaningful discussions, and learn at a level that prepares them for leading universities around the world.

Most importantly, AP empowers students to take ownership of their learning. As the program continues to grow, CISGZ remains committed to expanding access and providing students with meaningful opportunities to pursue their passions, challenge themselves, and achieve their goals.

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