AP Central
Grandville High School's home for all information regarding registration/communication for our Advanced Placement program/AP Exams.
AP Courses: General Information
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program administered by the College Board. AP courses are college courses offered in a high school setting. The main aspects of an AP course are as follows:
College-level curriculum: AP classes offer a curriculum that is more challenging and rigorous than standard high school courses. The content is designed to be at a level similar to what students would encounter in a college or university setting.
College credit opportunity: Students in AP courses have the opportunity to earn college credit. If a student performs well on the AP exam at the end of the course, many colleges and universities in the United States and around the world may grant them college credit for the corresponding introductory course.
Preparation for college success: Research shows that simply taking one AP class better prepares students for the demands of college-level academics. The courses emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are valuable for success in any field of study.
Competitive advantage in college admissions: Taking AP classes and performing well on AP exams can enhance a student's college application. Colleges often look favorably upon applicants who have challenged themselves with rigorous coursework like AP classes.
Experienced and qualified teachers: AP classes are taught by teachers who have been trained to instruct at the college level. They are equipped to provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment to help students succeed.
Exam-based assessment: At the end of the course, students take the AP exam, which is typically a comprehensive test covering the material taught throughout the year. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. Colleges have different policies regarding the minimum score required to receive credit.
Challenging workload: It's important to note that AP classes demand a higher level of commitment and dedication from students. The workload can be more intense compared to regular high school courses, as they cover college-level material in a shorter timeframe.
Financial considerations: While the potential for earning college credit is a significant benefit, it's essential to consider the cost of taking the AP exam. There is a fee for each AP exam ($98), but some schools or districts may offer financial assistance for students in need.
AP courses at Grandville High School are weighted at 1.25 which means success in an AP course has the additional benefit on a student's grade point average.
Full Year Course Offerings:
2D Art/Design/Drawing
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Computer Science A (Independent Study)
Computer Science Principles
English Language and Composition
English Literature and Composition
Environmental Science
European History (Independent Study)
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Physics C: Magnetism
Spanish Language and Culture
Statistics
US History
Semester Course Offerings
Macroeconomics (1st or 2nd Semester)
US Government and Politics (1st or 2nd Semester)
AP Exams: General Information
Students enrolled in at least one AP class are eligible to take the AP exam[s] at Grandville High School in May.
College Board examinations allow students to earn college credit based on exam performance. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score.
While students are not required to take AP exams, students are strongly encouraged to participate.
Grandville High School's AP scores are continuously above the state and national averages with most students earning college credit.
The College Board exam registration window is now open and closes on November 3. at 3 PM.
For second semester classes ONLY (Macroeconomics/US Government and Politics), the registration deadline is March 8, but can be registered and paid for in the fall registration window.
All students in AP classes must be registered in My AP Classroom, AND with Grandville High School.
Unless students communicate that they will not be testing, Grandville High School will order an exam for each student in an AP course by default.
AP Exam Registration
Registration Steps
AP Exams cost $98 per exam.
Students join My AP Classroom for each AP course starting August. 22 or January 8 (second semester courses).
Students/parents/guardians reads Exam Registration Communication starting September 5 or January 9 (second semester courses).
Students complete GHS Registration Google Form starting September 5 or January 9 (second semester courses).
Students/parents/guardians complete Online Payment with RecPro (via the Community Ed website) between September 5 and March 8.
You will be asked if you have applied and been accepted for the Family Assistance Benefits.
Click No and proceed to making your payment of $98 per each exam.
Click Yes and the Family Assistance Benefit will be applied to your exam cost (each exam will cost $40 ).
Any first semester or year-long exam order will incur a $40 late fee per the College Board.
If you would like, you can pick up a printed registration form in the main office or you can print and complete the registration form and bring the registration form to the main office with payment (cash or a check made out to Grandville High School).
Deadlines
Fri., Nov. 3, 2023 @ 3 PM for Full Year and Semester 1 Classes
Fri., March 8, 2024 @ 3 PM for Semester 2 Classes:
US Government and Politics
Macroeconomics
Fri., March 8, 2024 @3 PM late registration for any first semester or year-long course
Exam Cancellations are due by Friday, March 8, 2024 at 3 PM.
The College Board also has a $40 cancellation or unused exam fee. There is no cancellation fee if exams are canceled before March 8. GHS will refund the cost of the exam minus the $40 cancellation fee for cancellations between March 8 and March 28. There will be no refunds after March 28.
Fee Assistance
Family Assistance Benefit:
Students who receive Family Assistance Benefits pay $40 per exam. That amount will be refunded to students after they finish AP exams. If a student does not show up to the exam, there is no refund.
Students receiving free/reduced lunch prior to March 8, 2024 qualify for the fee reduction.
To apply for Family Assistance Benefits, please complete an application.
Students in AP classes use My AP Classroom, a learning platform that provides students with a progress dashboard, providing personalized feedback, and access to over 15,000, on demand AP test questions to help prepare for the AP test. My AP Classroom also creates an automatic test registration list to help ensure a smooth AP test order process. The AP YouTube Channel provides students with access to numerous videos designed to deepen knowledge and skills.