AP Central

ADVANCED COURSEWORK

Advanced Placement is a program of rigorous courses equivalent to introductory college classes. Each course culminates with an examination developed by the College Board. Colleges and universities have individual policies related to entering freshmen matriculating out of a college course with an acceptable score (usually 3 or higher) that has been earned on an AP examination. Students who enroll in an AP course at BHA are not required to complete the exam when no alternative class is offered.

BHA currently offers six AP courses in humanities, math, sciences, and technology.

  • AP Computer Science A

  • AP Computer Science Principles

  • AP Psychology

  • AP Calculus

  • AP English Language and Composition

  • AP English Literature and Composition

  • AP Physics 1

AP Examinations

BHA will attempt to administer exams on campus for courses taught, following College Board dates and times. BHA will not administer exams for courses not offered nor accommodate students who do not attend the school. Students must remain on campus during scheduled exams and attend all regular classes.

Characteristics of the Advanced Placement Student Due to the intensely rigorous nature of AP courses, students who choose to enroll in them should possess the following learning behaviors to be successful in AP courses:

1. Commitment to doing assigned work and submitting it on time.

2. Self-reliance in seeking assistance when needed and in monitoring their own academic progress.

3. Active participation in class, contributing to discussions and other learning activities.

4. Acceptance of personal responsibility for learning course content.

5. Outstanding class attendance.

6. Balance of school, family, and extracurricular commitments to allow for devotion to college level studies.

Because of the individual commitment necessary to succeed in an AP course, for voluntary courses when other options are available, students need to have demonstrated through prior high school coursework, testing, and citizenship that they qualify for such courses. In addition, teacher recommendations may be needed.

Course Content and Grading

Grades and scores in the AP program align with each course’s framework and objectives provided by the College Board. Course content is designed to be rigorous, so overall grades indicate level of mastery, rather than effort. As with other courses, students have only three weeks to drop and replace a class when other options are available.

AP Scholar Award:

Students taking a variety of AP tests may become AP Scholars and receive College Board recommendations; this may be listed as an honor on résumés or mentioned on college applications. The basic AP Scholar award is for scoring at least 3 on at least three AP tests. This is not monetary; however, additional awards are granted to students who take more AP tests and achieve higher scores.