@LeastComplicated I understand your point.
Re: rigor. My kid found both the DE and AP courses were good. But as I mentioned…her DE course was Anatomy and Physiology. She was required to take it as part of her degree at HER college. She said…the actual course she took at her college was more rigorous. And her professional school one was WAYYYYY more rigorous.
Since it sounds like you don’t have many options for AP or DE…and your kid is interested in all of them…then I’m not sure it matters whether she takes DE or AP. They are both considered challenging in terms of courseload, if that’s what you are looking for.
At our school DE was free…the school district paid for for the tuition. AP courses…our kids were required to take the tests and they were not free.
If finances are a significant issue…pick the one with the least financial impact…or see if your high school has some kind of financial assistance for those who cannot afford the costs. Where I Iive…that is a mandate.
It sounds like you have already contacted the colleges of interest to see how DE or AP courses might benefit your kiddo once they start college.