Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement® program enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Through more than 30 courses, the AP program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced placement, each culminating in a rigorous exam. AP Exams are an essential part of the AP experience, enabling students to demonstrate their mastery of college-level course work. Taking AP courses also demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought out the most rigorous course work available to them. Performing well on an AP Exam means more than just the successful completion of a course; it is a gateway to success in college.
AP Resources for Parents and Families
New 2019-2020 Timeline for Ordering AP Exams! -October 4, 2019!
AP Night.mp4Why should students take AP courses?
AP in CCSD
CCSD AP District of the Year
1) Simultaneously and continuously increasing the number of students taking AP classes while improving outcomes on AP Exams, with 55 percent of all AP students scoring a 3 or higher in 2014;
2) Increased student participation in AP by 9 percent annually and the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam by 3 percent annually;
3) Increased the percentage of traditionally underserved minority AP students earning a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam by 9 percent annually – an increase of 424 students since 2012.
CCSD was one of a record 547 school districts across the US and Canada that placed in the 2015 AP District Honor Roll. From this list, three districts are chosen based on population size – small, medium and large – and an analysis of three academic years of AP data.
Students who enroll in AP courses have the opportunity to receive college credit provided they score 3 or higher on two AP exams. Receiving college credit while still in high school saves students an average of $1,779 at a public four-year college and over $6,000 at a private college.
“When coupled with their hard work, the AP Program helps students build confidence, learn to craft effective arguments, earn credit for college and graduate from college on time,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president of AP and Instruction at the College Board. “The College Board applauds the district’s leadership to ensure that a more diverse population of students is ready for the sort of rigor that will prepare them for success in college.”
CCSD Fun Facts
- Did you know that CCSD administered more than 25,000 AP Exams in 2017?
- In 2017, 11,883 AP Exams in CCSD qualified for college credit. The average per credit hour cost in NV is $242.47. This is a total potential tuition savings of $8,643,813.00 for CCSD students!
- Nevada had both the largest three-year increase and one-year increase in the percentage of public high school graduates* earning a 3 or higher on an AP Exam. *Graduating cohort of 2016.
- The CCSD Class of 2017 had 414 AP Scholars, 170 AP Scholars with Honors, 138 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 6 National AP Scholars.
AP Myths vs. Truths
Myth #1: AP is for students who always get good grades.
Truth: AP courses are for any student who is academically prepared and motivated to take on college-level courses.
Myth #2: Taking AP courses could hurt my child’s GPA.
Truth: Many schools use GPA weighting to acknowledge the additional effort required by AP. In addition, a decision to take an AP course shows admission officers a willingness to take on the academic challenge of college-level course work and expectations.
Myth #3: AP courses are too stressful.
Truth: It’s no secret that AP courses are challenging, but the support students receive from their classmates and teachers can help ease their worries.
Myth #4: I don’t know if my child will score high enough on the AP exam to get college credit.
Truth: You don’t need to score a 5. Many colleges grant credit – and placement as well – based on a 3 or better on an AP exam.
Ready to Sign Up for AP?
Contact your school counselor or AP teacher today to learn more about out AP options available at your school!