AP CLASSES

What is AP?

AP courses are typically more demanding courses than regular high school courses. AP courses are COLLEGE-LEVEL courses. THS offers 14 different subject courses that students can choose throughout their high school career. In May, the student will have the opportunity to participate in the AP exam corresponding to the subject studied. Participating in AP courses is favorably viewed by colleges and universities if the student proves to successfully pass a course and pass the AP exam.

Why Take an AP Course?

The College Board states that, “The extra time a student will put into an AP course is definitely worth it. Consider these benefits: The student will have the opportunity to study a subject indepth, at the college level, so he/she will be more prepared for college work and if the student receives a qualifying grade on an AP Exam they may be eligible for advanced placement or course credits at a majority of colleges and universities in the U.S.”

THS is committed to offering students every opportunity to advance learning by taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Some other facts about Advanced Placement courses:

• AP course grades are weighted and earn an extra point towards your GPA, i.e., an “A” grade counts 5 points for an AP course instead of 4 points for an “A” in a non-AP core class.

• If a student chooses to take the AP exam at the end of the course, the approximate cost is $98 for each exam. Price is subject to change, per College Board. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify to help defray the cost.

• AP courses require students to commit to many hours of additional study and preparation time beyond the normal homework/project requirements.

• Students may earn college credits for each class taken if they take and pass the AP exam at a certain level.

To find out more about the Advanced Placement Program, visit The College Board web page at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com where you will learn current information about AP courses.