AP Courses currently offered at Vista High School (2024-25 school year)
Current Teacher: Mrs. Kunz (T202)
AP Biology students will study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. You will do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena. Units include the Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology.
Current Teacher: Mr. Isbell
AP Calculus students explore the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus. You'll work to understand the theoretical basis and solve problems by applying your knowledge and skills. Units of study include: Limits and Continuity, Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties, Differentiation: Composite, Implicit and Inverse Functions, Contextual Applications of Differentiation, Analytical Applications of Differentiation, Integration and Accumulation of Change, Differential Equations, Applications of Integration.
Current Teacher: Ms. Magnuson (T205)
AP Chemistry students learn the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You'll do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems.
Current Teachers: Ms. Terzic and Ms. Draves
AP English Language students learn about the elements of argument and composition as they develop their critical-reading and writing skills. They will read and analyze nonfiction works from various periods and write essays with different aims: for example, to explain an idea, argue a point, or persuade a reader.
Current Teachers: Mr. Parrow and Ms. Clark
AP European History students study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped Europe from c.1450 to the present. Students will analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.
Current Teacher: Mr. Pink
*Usually taken in conjunction with AP Microeconomics*
AP Macroeconomics students explore the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. They will use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe and explain economic concepts.
Current Teacher: Mr. Pink
*Typically taken in conjunction with AP Macroeconomics*
AP Microeconomics students study the principles of economics that apply to the behavior of individuals within an economic system. Students will use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Current Teacher: Mr. O'Neill (T206)
AP Physics 1 students learn about the foundational principles of physics as they explore Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. They will do hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena.
Current Teacher: Mr. O'Neill (T206)
AP Physics 2 students expand their understanding of physics as they explore topics such as fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field, and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. They will do hands-on and inquiry-based in-class activities and laboratory work to investigate phenomena.
Current teacher: Ms. Casper
Taking AP Precalculus prepares you for other college-level mathematics and science courses. During the course, you'll explore everyday situations using mathematical tools and lenses. You'll also develop an understanding of modeling and functions, and examine scenarios through multiple representations. The course framework outlines content and skills needed for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science.
Current Teacher: Mr. Brooks
AP Psychology students explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. They will examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion as well as analyze data from psychological research studies.
Current Teacher: Ms. Brown
AP Spanish Language students will develop their Spanish language skills and learn about the cultures in Spanish-speaking parts of the world. They will practice communicating in Spanish and study real-life materials such as newspaper articles, films, music, and books.
Current Teacher: Ms. Gonzalez
AP Spanish Literature students will build their language skills and cultural knowledge by exploring works of literature written in Spanish. Using Spanish to communicate, they will read, analyze, discuss, and write about works by Spanish, Latin-American, and U.S. Hispanic authors of different periods.
Current Teacher: Mr. Wasley
AP Statistics students will learn about the major concepts and tools used for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. They will explore statistics through discussion and activities as well as design surveys and experiments.
Current Teacher: Ms. McCarthy
In AP 2-D Art and Design students will investigate materials, processes and ideas. They will make works of art and design by practicing, experimenting, and revising as well as communicate their ideas about art and design through written and visual expression.
Current Teacher: Mr. Elizondo
AP US Government students will study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. They will read, analyze and discuss the U.S. Constitution and other documents as well as complete a research or applied civics project.
Current Teachers: Mrs. Brooks and Mr. Wootton
AP US History students study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. They will analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arugments.