Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses 

Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses 

SCHS offers a variety of AP courses approved by the College Board. AP offerings are yearlong (three trimester sequence) rigorous, college-level courses. Although the “core” curriculum of AP sections is completed by the end of the second trimester, an unweighted, elective credit AP seminar course in the third trimester is required and intended to support strong preparation for AP exams. In May, at the conclusion of each AP course, students take a comprehensive, three-hour examination. By earning a passing score (3, 4 or 5) on the exam, students may receive college units for each test passed. All grades “C” or higher in AP courses are weighted (*seminar portions are not weighted). (See College Board website for more information)

Honors courses in English, Mathematics, and World Language prepare students for culminating AP courses. Only a few Honors courses receive weighted grades per the UC/CSU college system. These honors courses are Pre-Calculus Honors, ASL 4, and Spanish 4. 

Students seeking to enroll in Honors or AP courses should read the course descriptions and prerequisites, talk with their current teachers (in those subjects), counselor and parents before making their decision. Successful Honors and AP students possess high-level academic skills, a strong motivation to achieve and a disciplined work ethic. 

Freshmen are recommended for Honors classes based on a variety of criteria. Please review the prerequisites under the course descriptions in this book for English 1 Honors, Biology/Chemistry accelerated path, and Honors Mathematics. There is a waiver process for those students not enrolled in honors courses due to department criteria. Students and parents may sign a Waiver Form, which is available from their counselor.