Researchers have noted that Black girls are often studied in terms of underachievement, over-disciplining, and negative stereotypes. Despite this misperception, researching the experiences of high-achieving Black high school girls is critical for research. The concept of "education debt" was introduced by Gloria Ladson-Billings, an educational researcher and scholar. It refers to the cumulative disadvantages faced by students of color in the U.S. education system. Ladson-Billings argues that the achievement gap is a symptom of a deeper problem.

The "education debt" acknowledges the historical, economic, sociopolitical, and moral factors that have created an unequal playing field for students of color. Ladson-Billings stated that the Advanced Placement curriculum can be viewed as an opportunity to address this debt.