Advanced Placement Courses: General Information
AP courses are college-level courses that require exceptional effort, time, and commitment. It is an expectation that students who enroll in these courses remain in these courses the entire year and prepare for the AP exam.
AP Credit Policy Search: FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY
To find colleges and universities that offer credit or placement for AP scores, begin your search by entering the name of the institution into the search toolbar. This credit policy search link will also be located at the bottom of every AP course description. For the most up-to-date AP credit policy information, be sure to check the institution's website.
The chart below shows all of our AP course offerings and the hours per week that students should plan to work on each course at home away from the classroom.
What it Takes to Take AP:
You are already using the skills it takes to succeed; AP challenges you to take them to an entirely new level!
Character - Curiosity, creativity and commitment are key ingredients for success in AP courses.
Academic Preparation - You don't need to be the top of your class, but you do need to be prepared for the course you are going to take. AP classes require you to come willing to do your best and some AP courses will have pre-requisite courses.
Motivation - Think about when you've learned or accomplished something you're really passionate about. You practice until you get it right. You try harder when it's not easy the first time. The effort pays off and sometimes is even fun, especially when you see how much you can do when you try. That is the kind of commitment that is sought out and rewarded in AP classes, and will help you succeed when you move beyond high school.
General Information:
Taking advantage of the Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Baraboo High School offers students a chance to begin college-level studies while working towards earning their high school diploma. Through AP, you can get a jump start on your postsecondary education.
The classes listed on this page will prepare students for the AP exam in their targeted area of study, and are also considered Laude Courses at BHS (see "What is Laude?" on the sidebar located at the left side of this website for more information on Laude).
The AP exams are graded on a 5-point scale.
If you score a 3 or higher on the test, you may be able to be awarded credits at the college level
The AP exams are taken in May
AP Test registration materials will be provided to the students by their teacher
Cost per AP test is approximately $96 per test
Reasons Students Target AP Coursework:
To impress college admission counselors
To develop college-level academic skills
To save money
To potentially decide on a college major sooner
To have the ability to take more elective courses in college
30346/30347 AP Computer Science Principles
** LAUDE COURSE **
1 Credit (Year Long Course)
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Intro. to Programming 1 & 2, or App Creators
*AP Computer Science Principles is NOT NCAA-approved.
This year-long Advanced Placement Course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. Whether it’s 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, or political analysis, computer science is the engine that powers the technology, productivity, and innovation that drive the world. Students will spend first-semester learning the fundamentals of programming using JavaScript and create powerful apps. If a student wishes to take the AP CSP Exam, the cost per the College Board is $96.
Priority Standards:
Create a product for intended audiences or purposes.
Solve problems using technology
Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.
Analyze and interpret content presented in diverse formats.
30348/30349 AP Computer Science A
** LAUDE COURSE **
1 Credit (Year Long Course)
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Recommended completion of AP-CSP or Teacher Recommendation
*AP Computer Science A is NOT NCAA-approved.
AP-CSA is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem-solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions and the ethical and social implications of computing. This course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using the Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. Java is a professional strength language and is currently the most popular computer programming environment in the world due to its portability between different computing devices. If a student wishes to take the AP CSA, the cost per the College Board is $96.
Priority Standards:
Solve problems using technology
Communicate how/why computational artifacts work.
Employ object oriented programming skills.
40655Y/40656Y AP Language & Composition
**LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grade: 11 or 12
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in previous high school language arts courses, or department approval
A two-semester course for students able and willing to do college-level work in writing and rhetorical analysis. A demanding writing and critical thinking course, AP Lang & Comp enables students to express themselves clearly, argue effectively, and address deceptive use of language. One focus of the course is preparation for the Advanced Placement examination in language and composition for which potential college credit may be earned. Expect approximately five to six hours of homework weekly. Both fiction and nonfiction texts will be annotated and studied. Open to juniors in lieu of Literary Themes & Composition 1&2, as well as any qualified seniors.
NOTE: The AP Language and Composition exam is not the same exam prepared for in AP Lit. & Comp., nor is this an either/or situation – students may take both tests for college credit
40523Y/40524Y AP Literature & Composition
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grade: 12
Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in previous high school language arts courses, or department approval
A two semester course for the student who is able and willing to do college level work in writing and literary analysis. The course emphasizes close reading and the use of a variety of literary criticisms. A number of novels will be read, along with other forms of literature, throughout the year. It is crucial for the participant to be willing to handle a significant reading requirement. Expect approximately five to six hours of homework weekly. One focus of the course is preparation for the Advanced Placement exam in literature and composition for which college credit may be earned.NOTE: The AP Literature and Composition exam is not the same exam prepared for in AP Language and Composition, nor is this an either/or situation –students may take both tests for potential college credit.
Special Condition: Students purchase some materials (approximate price $35).
65519/65520 AP Pre-Calculus
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Passed 2 semesters of Algebra 2
AP Precalculus prepares students for other college-level mathematics and science courses. Through regular practice, students build deep mastery of modeling and functions, and they examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework delineates content and skills common to college precalculus courses that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science.
This course is focused on deeper level understanding of Algebra 2 concepts, while developing connections with trigonometry and an introduction to Calculus material. Topics covered are polynomials of higher degrees, rational functions, logarithmic/exponential functions, conics, trigonometry, vectors, polar, complex numbers, and parametric functions. May be taken concurrently with AP Statistics.
65455Y/65456Y CAPP/AP Statistics
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Passed 2 semesters of Algebra or Accelerated Algebra 2 with a grade of B or above
SPECIAL CONDITION: A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED. THE TI-NSPIRE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BECAUSE OF ITS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS CAPABILITIES.
College-level, algebra-based statistics. Built around four main topics: exploring data, planning a study, probability as it relates to distributions of data, and inferential reasoning. This course is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Test in mid-May. May be taken concurrently with Pre-Calculus. It is recommended that the student had an C or higher in Algebra 2 the year before.
The CAPP program is a dual-credit option offered through UW-Oshkosh and allows students to take the grade they earn in HS and put it on their UW-O transcript, no exam needs to be taken. The credits can then transfer to many other universities across the country, with some stipulations, of course.
65751Y/65752Y CAPP/AP Calculus AB
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: Passed 2 semesters of Pre-Calculus with a grade of B or above
SPECIAL CONDITION: A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED. THE TI-NSPIRE CALCULATOR IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BECAUSE OF ITS VISUAL DESIGN AND DOCUMENT STRUCTURE.
College-level Calculus but pace will be a bit slower than the college level course. This course is designed to prepare students to take either the AB (Calculus 1) or BC (Calculus 1 & 2) Advanced Placement Test in mid-May. It is recommended that the student had an 80% or higher in pre-calculus the year before.
The CAPP program is a dual-credit option offered through UW-Oshkosh and allows students to take the grade they earn in HS and put it on their UW-O transcript, no exam needs to be taken. The credits can then transfer to many other universities across the country, with some stipulations, of course.
65756/65757 CAPP/AP Calculus BC
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 12Prerequisite: AP Calculus 1 (AB), AP Calculus 2 (AB)
This is a college-level Calculus 2 course, but the pace will be a bit slower than the college level course. AP Calculus BC is a continuation of the topics that were learned in AP Calculus AB. We will pick up where AB left off with methods of integration, more applications of the integral, and then explore mathematical series and sequences. Finally, the calculus of polar functions and vectors will be explored.
The CAPP program is a dual-credit option offered through UW-Oshkosh and allows students to take the grade they earn in HS and put it on their UW-Oshkosh transcript, no exam needs to be taken. The credits can then transfer to many other universities across the country, with some stipulations, of course.
80418Y/80419Y AP Biology
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry (B or better), or department approval
Advanced Placement Biology is a course that is equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The college course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. A summer assignment and 10 hours of homework per week are required to be successful in this college level course. Science as a process is one of the main goals, therefore students will be asking their own research questions and designing and conducting their own experiments for 8-10 college-level labs. AP Biology will follow specific guidelines implemented by the College Board regarding materials and topics to be covered. Topics are as follows:
Molecules and Cells - Biochemistry, Cells & Cellular Energetics
Heredity and Evolution - Heredity & Molecular Genetics, Evolutionary Biology
Organisms and Populations - Diversity of Organisms, Structure and Function of Plants and Animals, Ecolog
80527Y/80528Y AP Chemistry
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.5 credit - 2 semesters
1.0 credit will be earned semester 1
0.5 credit will be earned semester 2
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Chemistry (B or better), Algebra 2 (co-enrollment), or department approval
SPECIAL CONDITION: THIS COURSE MEETS A DOUBLE BLOCK SEMESTER 1, AND SINGLE BLOCK SEMESTER 2
AP Chemistry is a rigorous course designed to provide the equivalent of introductory chemistry at the college level. Students should expect to spend at least 10 hours per week outside of class to be successful in meeting the extreme challenges of the course and to discover the exceptional reward of mastering the material. Students will build on the knowledge gained in first-year chemistry to attain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and a competence in dealing with chemical problems. Emphasis in the lectures will be problem solving; laboratory experiences will be based on a college format. Topics include kinetics, acids and bases, equilibrium, thermochemistry and electrochemistry. Strong algebra skills are necessary.
80538Y/80539Y AP Environmental Science
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11, 12 (10 with instructor consent)
Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 1. (All math and science courses should be a C or better.)
This course is designed as a hands-on field and lab investigation based course with a goal of actively exploring and problem solving, past and present environmental issues. Topics include structure and function of the ecosystem, natural and human made environmental problems; soil, water, and air quality; human and animal population; and alternative energy. Those enrolled in the class have the option of taking the AP Environmental exam for college credit. If a student wishes to take the AP Environmental Science Exam, the cost per the College Board is $96.
FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY
Priority Standards:
Standard 4. Apply reasoning from evidence to support a claim.
Standard 5. Analyze scientific issues and applications impacting society.
Standard 9. Interpret cause and effect relationships.
Standard 11. Interpret and analyze how changes in energy and matter result in dynamic phenomena.
80575Y/80576Y AP Physics
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Physics, Concurrent Enrollment in AP Calculus, or department approval
SPECIAL CONDITION: A laboratory fee of $10.00 is charged.
Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics is a course that is equivalent to a first semester calculus based introductory physics course that is usually taken by physics and engineering majors during their first year of study. The college course in physics differs significantly from the traditional high school physics offerings in the depth at which topics are covered, the laboratory experience, and the time and effort required of students. A summer assignment and 5-10 hours of homework per week are required to be successful in this college level course. AP Physics C: Mechanics will follow specific guidelines implemented by the College Board regarding materials and topics to be covered. Students will receive instruction in each of the following six content areas:
Kinematics
Newton’s laws of motion
Work, energy and power
Systems of particles and linear momentum
Circular motion and rotation
Oscillations and gravitation
85650Y AP American Government
** LAUDE COURSE **
1 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 10-12
Special Condition: Sophomores may take this class in lieu of Civics.
This is a college-level course that explores the building blocks of American politics – how laws are made, what political parties do, how the media influences political culture and voting, public opinion, interest groups and American foreign policy. Students learn about the legislative process by writing their own bills in a mock legislature. They network with other students to create their own political parties and run a hypothetical candidate for president in a mock election. To learn about budgets, students prepare their own federal budget based on economic realities and their own imaginations. A mock trial in the Sauk County Courthouse gives students a taste of what it’s like to argue constitutional law before a panel of attorneys. A field trip to the State Capitol in Madison is an annual highlight of the course. Also, students engage in several policy debates and hear guest speakers on relevant topics of the day.
85630Y/85631Y AP Psychology
** LAUDE COURSE **
Elective
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11 & 12
Special condition: This course is designed and directed for college-bound students who have shown previous success in Social Studies and plan to take the AP test in May. The for the AP Exam is $98.
The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. It is required that notes be taken on the readings and vocabulary documented. Knowledge, skills, and competency in the subject will be evidenced by reading quizzes, writing and objective assessments, and projects. Students can expect an average of 30-45 minutes of reading, note-taking and reviewing each night.
FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY
Priority Standards:
Standard 4: Analyze the role society plays in human behavior
Standard 5: Analyze the structure and function of systems.
Standard 12: Analyze cause and effect relationships.
Standard 14: Establish a valid claim supported by evidence and reasoning.
85645Y/85646Y AP U.S. History
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 11,12
In AP U.S. History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. This course is designed and directed for college-bound students who have shown previous success in social studies courses and plan to take the AP test in May. The fee for the AP Exam is $91.This course is designed to give students experience in taking a college level U.S. History course. It will require extensive reading and writing as the student progresses from the colonial time to the present. Students who want to be challenged and have shown previous success in social studies courses are encouraged to enroll. Students will be expected to complete homework over the summer as well as the expectation of 5 hours of outside classwork per week.
FIND A COLLEGE'S AP CREDIT POLICY
85416Y/85417Y AP World History
** LAUDE COURSE **
1.0 credit - 2 semesters
Grades: 10-12
SPECIAL CONDITION: Sophomores may take this in lieu of World History
Special condition: This course is designed and directed for college-bound students who have shown previous success in Social Studies and plan to take the AP test in May. The fee for the AP Exam is $98.
AP World Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students will cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. This course is designed to prepare students to take the AP Exam in May with the goal of passing and earning college credit. Successful completion of the course satisfies the core social studies world history requirement for graduation. AP World can replace World History during 10th grade or be taken as an elective 11th or 12th grade.
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