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Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students registering for AP classes are strongly encouraged to achieve a grade of “B” or better in their prior related class.

Course content for each Advanced Placement (AP) class has been developed by a committee of college faculty and AP teachers. Each class is designed to cover the breadth of information, skills and assignments found in the corresponding college course. Therefore, students enrolling in AP classes should do so with the clear understanding they are challenged with college-level curriculum and a college-level pace that is more accelerated than the pace of most high school classes. Some AP classes have required summer homework that must be completed to prepare for a successful experience in the upcoming class.

Many colleges and universities in the U.S. grant credit or higher class placement in classes based on AP exam scores. Policies vary by institution. Most require at least a score of 3 to give a student college credit. Sometimes college credit is not awarded. However, one or more college course pre-requisites may be waived allowing students to enter higher levels of study.

Making the decision to enroll in Advanced Placement classes should be done with careful forethought and understanding of course expectations. Students who enroll in AP classes show motivation to take more difficult classes in order to prepare for the rigors of college study. Students and families are highly encouraged to attend College Credit Options Night to learn more. This event provides students with an opportunity to meet AP teachers and ask questions prior to enrolling in an AP Course. During this event, teachers describe the daily routine and how the rigor and coursework differ from a traditional high school class.

It should be clearly understood that AP courses are the best opportunity to prepare students for the rigors of college. These courses follow the College Board curriculum for each program and are expected to provide students with a college-readiness experience. Carefully weigh the number of AP courses taken and student preparedness for taking on the rigors of such coursework. You will not be permitted to drop AP courses in the fall without administrative approval. Many AP courses assign summer course work. Failure to complete summer assignments is not grounds for dropping an AP class.

 

AP Courses Available

AP Biology*  |  AP Calculus AB*  |  AP Calculus BC*  |  AP Chemistry*  |  AP Computer Science A*
AP Computer Science Principles*  |  AP English Language & Composition* |  AP English Literature & Composition*
AP Environmental Science*  |  AP Human Geography  |  AP Physics 1*  |  AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP Statistics*  |  AP Studio Art: 2D Design  |  AP Studio Art: 3D Design  |  AP Studio Art: Drawing
AP US Government and Politics | AP US History  |  AP World History

 

* National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI)

Students that enroll in a NMSI supported class receive multiple opportunists and experiences that will benefit them throughout their academic careers. There are no AP test fees for NMSI affiliated classes and students are expected to sit for the exam in May. Students are expected to participate in three Saturday Study Sessions that will be held during the school year.  These sessions are taught by guest presenters from across the nation.  Students that receive a score of 3 or higher on a test for a NMSI course will receive an incentive check for $100.