Learn more about AP & IB!

What is an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) course?

• We offer over 20 different AP and IB courses at SVHS! AP and IB courses are college-level courses offered in high school and reflect what skills and content are taught in top introductory college courses.

•  Students take AP or IB Exams at the end of the course, measuring their mastery of college-level work. A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, out of 5, and a score of 4 or higher on an IB exam, out of 7, can typically earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. 

IB Program Seneca Valley HS: Soaring into College & Career

We also offer two upperclassman IB Programs: the IB Diploma and the IB Career-related Program. The IB Diploma is an internationally-recognized program where students take 6 IB courses and complete core IB requirements (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, & Creativity-Activity-Service). In the IB Career- related Program, students continue their SVHS Career program, while taking 2 IB CP/DP courses and completing core IB requirements (IB Personal & Professional Skills course, Reflective Project, Language Development, and Service Learning).  Did you know that colleges will often give preference and offer more credits for students in an IB program compared to individual courses? Learn more about our IB DP & CP programs here!

Why take AP or IB courses?

• Build College Skills & Confidence: Taking an AP &/or IB course builds the skills needed throughout a student’s college years by giving their mind a rigorous workout, while polishing up on time management and study skills. Students also get better at handling challenging issues and problems, with the support of SVHS teachers. AP & IB courses let students know what to expect during the next phase of their educational journey, and help them build the confidence to succeed.

• Stand Out in College Admissions: Deciding to take an AP &/or IB course lets colleges and universities know that students have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see “AP” or “IB” on a transcript, they know that a student’s experience has prepared them well for the challenges of college and that students are up for taking the most rigorous classes high school has to offer.

• Earn College Credits: By taking an AP &/or IB course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam or IB Exam, students can save on college expenses: most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP &/or IB Exam scores. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a second major.

• Skip Introductory Classes:  Taking an AP &/or IB course related to a student’s potential major and earning a qualifying score on the AP &/or IB Exam can help them advance and avoid required introductory courses – so students can move directly into upper-level classes and focus on the work that interests them most. Even taking an AP &/or IB Exam unrelated to a student’s potential major can place a student beyond their college’s general education requirements. This opens up additional time in a student’s schedule, enabling them to earn a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue additional interests.