College-Level Courses
What are AP and CIS Courses?
Advanced Placement (AP): AP courses are college-level courses taught by instructors at Twin Cities Academy. A college-level exam given at the end of the year tests the students' knowledge of the AP subject. Exam scores can then be submitted to colleges and universities for college credit.
College in the Schools (CIS): Academically prepared and motivated students may earn college credits by taking University of Minnesota Twin Cities courses through the College in the Schools (CIS) program. CIS allows you to experience the pace and rigor of U of M courses taught at Twin Cities Academy by our own staff.
Who can take AP and CIS Courses?
AP and CIS courses are only available to high school students.
Each course has their own prerequisites and grades allowed, see the course descriptions below for further information.
How do I earn College Credit?
Advanced Placement (AP): Postsecondary institutions may award college credit for an AP course based on the student's AP exam score. Each postsecondary institution has their own policies for awarding AP credit but students must take the AP exam to receive college credit. To search policies by AP course or postsecondary institution, click this link.
College in the Schools (CIS): If students pass a CIS course, they are awarded college credit by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. These credits may transfer to other postsecondary institutions, although that decision is at the discretion of the postsecondary institution.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
AP Calculus AB
Grades: 11-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit) Prerequisites: CIS Calculus
AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
AP Calculus BC
Grades: 12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit) Prerequisites: CIS Calculus
AP Calculus BC is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
AP English Language and Composition
Grades: 11-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)
AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style.
AP European History *New*
Grades: 10-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)
AP European History is an introductory college-level European history course. Students cultivate their understanding of European history through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like interaction of Europe and the world; economic and commercial developments; cultural and intellectual developments; states and other institutions of power; social organization and development; national and European identity; and technological and scientific innovation.
AP Physics 1
Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (2.0 credits) Prerequisite: Geometry (recommended)
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit) Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Teacher Approval
AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in Spanish. Students cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.
AP United States History
Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit)
AP U.S. History is an introductory college-level U.S. history course. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. history from c. 1491 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.
*Note: Students may take AP US History even if they have already taken US History - different content will be covered*
College in the schools (CIS) Courses
CIS Intermediate French I (FREN 1003)
Grades: 9-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit) Prerequisites: French IV or Teacher Approval
In this course students build on the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational skills developed in beginning French and on their knowledge and understanding of Francophone practices and products. Culture is taught through cultural readings and multimedia. FREN 1003 is a theme-based course. Themes addressed in this course include: French media and cinema, wellness and health, current French family, societal and global issues. The text, Deux Mondes, 7th ed., is accompanied by an electronic or paper workbook with a variety of practice activities. In the Deux Mondes textbook, students will work primarily with materials from Ch. 11 through Ch. 14. Students will also read the classic French novel, Le Petit Prince, by St. Exupéry. Since the majority of class time is devoted to communication activities, class attendance is fundamental. Expect an average of 1.5 hours of outside preparation for each class session hour.
CIS Writing Studio (WRIT 1201)
Grades: 11-12 Length/Credits: Full Year (1.0 credit) Prerequisites: B or above in English 10 or Teacher Approval
WRIT 1201 introduces students to general writing strategies encountered at the college level. Through frequent practice and feedback, students learn to see writing as a tool for learning and a vehicle for the expression of ideas and informed views. Students also learn a working vocabulary for discussing writing. Typical assignments include informal writing derived from personal experience, response to readings, analysis and evaluation of sources on the web and in print, and formal papers that increasingly make use of sources as well as close reading of texts. The course emphasizes the active practice of writing, from gathering ideas for a paper, through the drafting of papers, to careful editing. Students also participate in a Field Day hosted by the University of Minnesota.