Advanced Placement Courses

AP Pre-Calculus (A, B, C*) 

Course # 3232, 3233, 3234

Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: [3183]Accelerated Advanced Algebra or [3503] College Algebra or [3147] Advanced Algebra with Teacher Recommendation 

Description: AP Pre-Calculus is the gateway to other college-level mathematics and science courses.  This advance placement course provides a strong foundation for students interested in STEM majors / careers. The primary focus is on 1) Modeling Real-World Data with Functions, 2) Exploring Multiple Representations of Functions, 3) Mastering Symbolic Manipulation, and 4) Communication and Reasoning.

This is an AP class that comes with college credit if you pass the AP Exam in May.  The optional third trimester (C) is *highly* recommended for all students - it contains extensive review and practice in preparation for the AP Exam as well as additional new content that will better prepare students for Calculus and for the ACT exam.

AP Calculus AB A, B, C*

Course # 3027, 3028, 3061

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: [3081] Precalculus - Pre-AP 

Description: In addition to all of the concepts, methods and applications described previously (see Calculus) the third trimester will contain an extensive review for the Advanced Placement AB Examination that will be offered in May.  Third Trimester is optional.

AP Calculus BC A, B, C*

Course # 3057, 3058, 3038

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites:  [3081] AP Precalculus

Description: This is an accelerated, theoretical calculus class emphasizing topics needed for the Advanced Placement BC exam that is offered in May. 

AP Statistics A, B

Course # 3025, 3026

Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: [3147] Advanced Algebra; [3179] Advanced Algebra - Pre-AP 

Description: Predicting data, determining trends, making decisions and predicting the future are all possible with the help of statistics. Focus areas of statistics include exploratory data analysis, probability, and inference. This class will incorporate discussions, experiments, and projects to help understand and apply basic statistical principles. The course helps prepare students for the optional AP exam offered each May.

AP Environmental Studies A, B, C*

Course # 2226, 2227, 2228*

Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: None

Description: AP Environmental Science is one of the two possible 9th grade choices for science, and can also be taken by students in grades 10-12.  This course is designed to prepare students to succeed on the AP Environmental Science exam.  The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. To be successful in this advanced course students need to be highly motivated and have a strong interest in science. Students should have strong writing and math skills. For students wanting to perform their best on the AP Environmental Science exam, students have the option of enrolling for the third trimester extension of this course.

*This 1 trimester course is for students who have completed AP Environmental Science and want to best prepare themselves for the AP Exam in May. We will concentrate on further development of environmental issues, including labs, and how to study for the exam. 

AP Biology A, B, C*

Course # 2117, 2118, 2119*

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: [2108 & 2109] Pre-AP Biology A & B [2103 & 2104] Biology A & B; and [2509 or 2511] Chemistry or Pre-AP Chemistry or concurrent enrollment or with teacher approval. 

Description: Make bacteria glow green, manipulate taste receptors, evaluate enzyme kinetics, understand the mechanism whole organism communication! AP Biology follows the College Board curriculum and is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of ecology, biochemistry, cells, bioenergetics, evolution, genetics, molecular biology and plant and animal systems. A particular emphasis is placed on the inter-relatedness of these topics and chemistry and the inquiry process of understanding. Students should be prepared for some work to be done outside of class regularly. This course will help prepare students for the National AP exam offered each May. Students who take accelerated Chemistry/accelerated Biology will be best prepared for this course. 10th graders must have instructor permission to register. Optional - Third trimester is strongly recommended (but not required) to best prepare students for the exam in May.

*This 1 trimester course is for students who have completed AP biology and want to best prepare themselves for the AP Biology Exam in May. We will concentrate on further development of biology concepts, including labs, and how to study for and take the exam. 

AP Chemistry A, B, C*

Course # 2215, 2216, 2223*

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: [2512] Chemistry - Pre-AP or [2510] Chemistry 

Description: The importance of the theoretical aspects of chemistry has brought about an increasing emphasis on structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. AP Chemistry students will study these topics in considerable depth. Course objectives will meet standards of college level chemistry. This course will help prepare students for the optional AP exam offered each May. Pre-AP Chemistry [2512] is the best preparation for AP Chemistry. Students should be prepared for one hour of homework nightly. For success on the AP Chemistry Exam, AP Chemistry (Optional 3rd trimester) is highly recommended (see course description which follows). 

*This course is highly recommended for students who have completed AP Chemistry and want to prepare themselves for the optional Advanced Placement Examination offered each May. This practical course will help students understand all the expectations of the AP exam. In addition, students will further their understanding of chemical concepts, specifically laboratory concepts. 

AP Physics A, B, C*

Course # 2315, 2316, 2317*

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: [3081] Pre calculus - Pre-AP

Description: P Physics 1 is designed to prepare students to take the AP Physics 1 exam (and the AP C: Mechanics exam) The course includes the study of motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, gravity, and simple harmonic motion.. The course will focus on developing the student’s use of models and representations as tools for thinking and to generate equations across various domains. Strong confidence and skill are required in algebra. The course will also give students an opportunity to increase their ability to ask scientific questions, design and carry out experiments, and analyze data. This work is done in an intensely informal classroom atmosphere. If you are interested in preparing for the AP exam in May please register for AP Physics 1 C (2317), the 3rd trimester of AP Physics 1.

AP Human Geography A, B, C*

Course # 1100, 1101

Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: None

Description: Students in this course will study the patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students use spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and it's environmental consequences. Students will learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. Students will also learn study skills to help them manage their time and read and study from college level texts. AP Human Geography is a college level course and students may earn college credit by taking the optional AP test in the Spring. AP Human Geography meets the 9th grade Social Studies requirements, but may also be taken as an elective by 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who have already had World Studies and are interested in trying an AP course. 

AP World History A, B, C*

Course # 1102, 1103, 1104*

Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: None

Description: World History AP is designed to help students be successful on the AP test offered in the Spring of each year. The course incorporates both a chronological and thematic approach to the study of history by covering six time periods from the beginning of civilization to the present while emphasizing common themes such as politics, culture and economics. The course uses a college level textbook and requires a significant amount of daily reading and writing assignments. 

*This course is a continuation of the first two trimesters of AP World History. Please Note: it will cover the remaining periods and key concepts that do not fit in the first two trimesters. Students will also have an opportunity to continue working on their essay writing skills. This course will also include an intensive review prior to the AP test in May. Students who take the third trimesters of AP World History are more successful on the AP test. 

AP US History A, B, C*

Course # 1107, 1108, 1109*

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: None

Description: In this course, we will explore US history from the colonial era to the late 1900s. We will focus in depth on the themes of American diversity, globalization, economic transformations, and the political ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy. As an AP course, students should expect this to be a rigorous course with college-level readings and frequent writing assessments. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP US History exam after completing this course. 

*This optional third trimester is strongly encouraged for students seeking to take the AP US History Exam as the content not covered in the first two trimesters will be taught in this course. This class will include review exercises and writing strategies to help students prepare for the AP exam. Following the exam, there will be a research project. 

AP Psychology A, B, C*

Course # 1021, 1022

Grade Offered: 11, 12

Credits: 2-3

Prerequisites: None

Description: Psychology unlocks the understanding and prediction of human behavior. The AP Psychology sequence provides college-level study of the behavioral sciences and a valuable understanding of the human condition. Coursework includes an introduction of psychology, research methodology, how we learn and think and remember, neuroscience, sensation and perception, personality theory, states of consciousness, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, language, and intelligence. This course, paired with the capstone third course - Psychology - Advanced Placement (Recommended 3rd Trimester)(#1036), fully prepare you for the AP Psychology exam in May. 

AP US Government and Politics A, B

Course # 1105, 1106

Grade Offered: 12

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: None

Description: In the AP US Government and Politics course, students gain a critical perspective on the functions and politics of the United States government.  The course content is used the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up American politics. Topics covered include: constitutional underpinnings of U.S. government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups, and mass media; institutions of national government; public policy; and civil rights and civil liberties. In addition, a primary purpose of the course is to explore careers and career pathways in government, politics and law.

AP Microeconomics A, B

Course # 1003, 1004

Grade Offered: 12

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: None

Description: AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. This course also includes a simulation called Urban Plan that has been recognized nationally as one of most effective activities in preparing students for the world of college / work.