ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP)
ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12 This class may have a fee
Prerequisite: (3 of the following) Ceramics 1, 2, 3, Sculpture, or 3D Design
This course is a culmination of the Ceramics courses, Sculpture, and 3D Design. Students will create a self-driven portfolio of artwork that is of exceptional technical quality and includes thoughtful conceptual expression. Students that earn a score of at least three up to five are eligible to receive non-major post-secondary credit.
Length: Year Available for: 12
This is a college level course designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement English Language test given at the end of the year for college credit. The course involves reading non-fictional literature as well as expository writing techniques. This class works as a lab, giving students a response group for essay and research projects, and specifically sharpening writing skills through development of a writing portfolio.
Length: Year Available for: 12
This is a college level course designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Literature test given at the end of the year for college credit. The course involves challenge literature and discussion of literacy criticism as well as intensive writing practice. Students taking the course will study essay, novel, drama, and poetry forms, and write essays, poetry and do research projects.
Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: French 4 or teacher signature.
Students will study the fine points of French grammar in preparation for the A.P. exam in the spring. They will be exposed to French literature from various countries around the world. Student will also listen to recordings of francophone speakers from various countries. Discussion and conversation will be in French in order to refine oral skills. Students will record stories and answer oral questions. They will also write persuasive essays in preparation for the exam.
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12 This class may have a fee
Prerequisite: Teacher Signature and Spanish 4
Students will study the fine points of Spanish grammar in preparation for the A.P. exam in the spring. They will be exposed to Spanish and Latin American literature. Discussion and conversation will be in Spanish in order to refine oral skills. Students will record stories and answer oral questions. A booklet used in the class will be offered at a small cost to students.
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12
AP Calculus AB is directed at students who desire a rigorous course of study of mathematics. This course will prepare students for university programs in engineering and the sciences where mastery of mathematics is required. Students will be given the opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to a variety of meaningful problems. Topics include: limits, derivatives, application of derivatives, integrals, application of integrals.
Length: Year Available for: 12
Prerequisite: A.P. Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC is directed at students who desire a rigorous course of study of mathematics. This course will prepare students for university programs in engineering and the sciences where mastery of mathematics is required. Students will be given the opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to a variety of meaningful problems. Topics include limits, derivatives, application of derivatives, integrals, application of integrals, infinite series, parametric, polar and vector systems.
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12
Prerequisite: Intro to Stats or Math 3. Can take Concurrently with Math 3
This is a non-calculus-based statistics course. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: (1) Exploring Data, (2) Planning Study, (3) Probability, and (4) Statistical Inference. Upon passing the AP test, a student may receive up to 8 semester hours of college credit (depending on the accepting institution). This course may be taken at the same time as Math 3, AP Calculus.
Note: Students taking this course should sign up for the AP STEM Independent Study Class.
AP BIOLOGY (601200)
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Primary emphasis will be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
AP CHEMISTRY (601700)
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12
Prerequisites: Chemistry and Secondary Math 2
This course is equivalent to the first-year chemistry course offered at a university, with the work load and difficulty level matching those standards. Topics covered include atomic theory, stoichiometry, solutions, equilibrium, reactions, bonding, acid-base theory, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. With satisfactory completion fo this course and the advanced placement exam students may earn up to 8 college credits.
AP PHYSICS 1 (602140)
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12
Prerequisite: Physics and Calculus (Calculus may be taken concurrently)
This course is equivalent to a freshman physics course at a university. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. With satisfactory completion of this course and the advanced placement exam, students may earn up to 12 hours of college credit at most colleges and universities.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (584200)
Length: Year Available for: 9
AP Human Geography is the study of human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface through analysis of patterns and processes. Students will learn the impact humans have not only on the Earth, but also on each other. Emphasis is placed upon human social organization and the methods/tools geographers use. Students will take the AP test at the end of the year to receive college credit. This is a Certificate of Completion course.
AP PSYCHOLOGY (585460)
Length: Year Available for: 11 & 12
AP Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. This is a Certificate of Completion course.
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT (585300)
Length: Year Available for: 11-12 grades
AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. In addition, students will complete a political science research or applied civics project. At the conclusion of this course, students will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement exam to receive college/university credit. This is a Certificate of Completion course.
AP U.S. HISTORY (584970)
Length: Year Available for: 11-12 grades
AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. 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, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; making historical comparisons; utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time; and developing historical arguments. At the conclusion of this course, students will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement exam to receive college/university credit. This is a Certificate of Completion course.
AP WORLD HISTORY (584600)
Length: Year Available for: 10-12 grades
AP World Civilization is a rigorous, college-level course designed to explore human history from 8000 B.C.E. to the present. We will emphasize the development of analytical and writing skills necessary for success on a collegiate level. To this end, the course devotes considerable time to the critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, analysis of historiography (The principles, theories, or methodology of scholarly historical research and presentation) and inquiry into global connections that have shaped our present world. A special emphasis will be given to preparation for the National AP Exam, including historical writing through essay and document-based questions (DBQ) as well as objective evaluations. This is a Certificate of Completion course.
Length: Year Available for: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in at least one AP Course.
This optional Advanced Placement (AP) Lab course is designed to assist students who are taking at least one AP course in the areas of English, Social Studies, Foreign Language, etc. with an emphasis on how to manage time, problem solve, read, analyze, research, study, and write at a college level. Students will have the opportunity to work with an AP teacher and collaborate with other students taking college level courses. The student’s grade in this course will be Pass/Fail.
Length: Year Available for: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in at least one AP Course.
This optional Advanced Placement (AP) Lab course is designed to assist students who are taking at least one AP course in the areas of Math, Science, Computer Technology, etc. with an emphasis on how to manage time, problem solve, read, analyze, research, study, and write at a college level. Students will have the opportunity to work with an AP teacher and collaborate with other students taking college level courses. The student’s grade in this course will be Pass/Fail.