Types of Courses

In order to provide equal access to advanced courses for all students, SWA allows for mobility between course pathways based on grades earned in previous courses. If a student meets the minimum grade requirement in a preceding core subject course, they may request to take an honors or advanced placement course for the upcoming school year.

MOST core subject courses are offered at the standard AND honors level. Some electives are offered at the honors level as well.

*more honors courses may be available to students through NCVPS

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses provide students the opportunity to participate in rigorous courses and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity to show mastery in college-level courses by taking the AP exam in May of each school year. Students will have the opportunity to dig deeper into content they love. The successful completion of the AP course and AP exam will allow students to enter college with course credit.

AP courses are appropriate for students who have been successful in honor courses, have excellent work habits, and are prepared to experience the challenge of a college level course.

AP Courses offered at SWA:

• AP Calculus
• AP Statistics
• AP English Language & Composition (English 3)
• AP English Literature & Composition (English 4)
• AP US History
• AP Government

*more AP courses may be available to students through NCVPS

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of taking AP courses?

The main advantage of taking an AP course is advanced preparation for college. Taking an AP course and doing well in that course (even if you do not do well on the final exam) looks good on college applications. Additionally, students who score well on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school. The AP exams take place every year in May. Scores are reported to the colleges designated by the student and range from 1 (no recommendation) to 5 (extremely qualified). Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit. Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the colleges in which they are interested in to see if they accept AP exams for credits.

What is the difference between an Honors and AP class?

AP classes are college level courses that are more challenging and rigorous. AP classes require energetic, involved, and motivated students. AP courses receive 1 extra quality point towards GPA whereas Honors courses receive an additional .5 quality point.

Why should I take an AP class? What will it do to my GPA?

Students who succeed in AP courses generally do well in college as a result of rigorous academic preparation. AP classes are weighted on a 5.0 scale. If you do well, your GPA will not be adversely affected. However, it is not advised to take numerous AP courses without serious consideration and teacher recommendations. Doing poorly in an AP course will affect your GPA.

How much does it cost to take an AP course?

There are no charges for taking an AP course. NC has covered the cost of $92 of students taking the AP exams so students will be taking these exams for free providing they sat for the course this year.

If I take an AP course, do I have to take the exam?

No. However, we recommend you discuss this with your AP teacher and encourage you to take it. If you do poorly on the exam, your score will not adversely affect your chances of college admittance (but doing poorly in the course will).

What is CCP?

The Career & College Promise Program is a state-sponsored collaboration between North Carolina public high schools and public colleges and universities across North Carolina. CCP allows qualified students to take tuition-free courses that earn high school and college credits at the same time. Southern Wake Academy works with the Career & College Program at Wake Technical Community College.

• There are 2 pathways in the CCP Program. Students may choose to take courses in either pathway depending on what their primary goal is for after high school.
  • The College Transfer Pathway tends to be for students who hope to enter a 4-year college/university after high school.
  • The Career & Technical Education Pathways tends to be for students who plan to pursue 2 year associate's degree or certificate program through a community college after high school.
• Courses taken in the College Transfer Pathway receive AP-level high school credit (1.0 weighted) and will transfer to many four-year colleges and universities.
• Courses taken in the Career & Technical Education Pathway receive Honors high school credit (.5 weighted) and can help students complete diploma, certificate or degree programs at community colleges.
• Students who wish to enroll in CCP courses for 2018-19 school year should see Ms. Carlton for an application form BEFORE May of the 2017-18 school year. Students may have the opportunity to add classes for Spring 2019 during a narrow schedule change window.

Why take CCP?

Many high school students are taking dual-credit/dual-enrollment courses to get an early start on their college and career education.

Because North Carolina pays tuition costs for CCP, Wake County covers textbook costs, and many credits earned are transferable to public four-year colleges in North Carolina, CCP (or dual enrollment) is an excellent way to get a jump start. CCP courses also expose students to courses in various career pathways which help them discover their career interests. Additionally, the list of CCP courses available to students expands options for classes in high school. This is especially helpful for seniors who feel they have "taken everything they want to take."

In addition to adding options for more rigor, CCP classes earn both high school and college credit. Students will see CCP classes reflected on their SWA transcript. They will also be reflected on the student's Wake Tech transcript. Courses taken in the CCP College Transfer Pathway earn weighted quality points, similar to AP classes.

Who pays for CCP?

The State of North Carolina pays the tuition for courses taken through the CCP Program. Wake County Schools provides finances to cover additional charges and fees. This combination of support can result in tremendous savings for students and families.

How to take CCP?

Qualified students may add CCP classes during the normal high school registration and schedule change cycles.

Important Facts for CCP Students

• Choosing CCP classes means you are ready for the responsibilities of a college class. This includes being knowledgeable about policies of both the high school and community college, where they are similar and where they are not directly aligned. Ignorance is not an excuse, as college students are expected to proactively seek information that impacts their choices.
• Failing CCP classes will negatively impact your high school and college transcripts and can impact your future eligibility for financial aid and college athletics. Students who become concerned that they may fail their CCP courses should immediately contact the CCP Director at RCCC, their RCCC course instructor and high school counselor to request assistance and support. CMHS students who fail CCP courses may not be allowed to continue in the program.
• Dropping CCP classes outside of the normal SWA schedule change process/window will result in a WF (Withdraw Failing) on your high school transcript and negatively impact your high school GPA even though the college may allow you to do so. SWA students may not drop CCP classes outside of the SWA schedule change process/deadline without the prior consent of their high school counselor.