While PUSD considers capping the number of Advanced Placement classes students can take per year, Dublin Unified School District has already committed to begin implementing policies limiting the number of AP classes students can enroll in.
“I wish we as a district didn’t have to regulate this, as I am a huge proponent of individual choice. But in recent years, my colleagues agree that it is becoming more and more prevalent for students take 5 or 6 APs in a semester, burn themselves out completely trying to keep pace, and then everyone is shocked when they don’t succeed, or even worse, they get into college and arrive burnt out,” said AP Seminar teacher Nataniel Grim at Dublin High.
On January 13, 2026, the Dublin Unified School District’s Board of Trustees approved plans to limit students to four AP or honors courses per academic year. The policy will take effect beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. This accounts for a total of 11 advanced classes over four years of high school.
Balancing Mental Health with Course Rigor
“The real benefit is going to be seen in those students who are taking these APs, not because they are passionate about the course they are taking, but because they want to boost their GPAs and improve their chances at college acceptance. These students are often the ones who suffer the most from their choice…forcing them to be strategic about what classes they take will only benefit them in the long run,” said Grim.
When evaluating applicants, colleges generally consider both the unweighted and weighted GPA. However, the unweighted GPA holds slightly more importance as it allows for standardization and fair comparison across schools. The weighted GPA merely reflects the quantity of AP/IB/Honors courses and is considered within the context of one’s school.
“In my 25 years of teaching high school students, I’ve witnessed a steady decline in student mental health and resilience—even as the College Board has eased AP exam expectations. Having taught four different AP courses myself, I’ve seen firsthand how increasing academic pressure can take a toll on students,” said Veronica Wienholz, AP Seminar/Social Science teacher at Emerald High.
The limit addresses growing academic stress and pressure on students while continuing to prioritize student success. Balancing five to six AP classes with demanding extracurriculars can cause daily sleep deprivation, stress, and burnout. This can put a significant strain on students’ mental and physical health.
Pursuits Beyond Academics
“Beyond academics, there is real value in developing skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. Part-time jobs, for example, teach time management, build a work ethic, and foster financial responsibility. An employer offers a different kind of accountability—One that is not measured by grades, but by performance and growth—helping students develop skills that will serve them long after graduation,” said Grim.
Minimizing academic workload at school can allow more time for students outside of school. They can develop essential skills through part-time jobs, pursuit of hobbies, and other extracurricular commitments.
Like PUSD, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District has not announced any plans or decisions to restrict the number of AP courses students may take. However, DUSD’s decision has brought mixed reactions amongst students from nearby schools.
“[Capping APs] would definitely help lower the collective stress levels and burnout, but only if it applied to all schools equally. Otherwise, it feels like we’d be at a disadvantage compared to students in neighboring districts who don’t have those limits,” said Granada High School student Rohan Munagapti (‘27).
PUSD has just begun the conversation about limiting the number of advanced classes students can take per year. Teachers received the official email with a survey link this week.
