Taking AP courses and exams can help students:
Stand out on college applications. AP courses on a student’s transcript shows that they’ve challenged themselves with the most rigorous courses available to them. And success on an AP Exam shows that they’re ready for college-level coursework.
Earn college credit and/or skip introductory courses in college. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States—as well as many institutions in more than 100 other countries—grant students credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. Search credit policies by college.
In an AP Art and Design course, students develop the skills that artists and designers use, and create a portfolio of work that is assessed to produce their AP score.
Study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. You’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena.
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.
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
Ms. Jennifer Stapp, 141 Blue Hall
Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You’ll take part in laboratory investigations and field work.
Explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. You’ll use the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use.
Learn about the elements of argument and composition as you develop your critical-reading and writing skills. You’ll 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 your reader of something.
AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.
Study the principles of economics that apply to the behavior of individuals within an economic system. You’ll use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals . Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.
Coach Scott Hill, Room 209 Green Hall
AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem-solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.
Ms. Forrester, 136 Blue Hall
Study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. You'll read, analyze, and discuss the U.S. Constitution and other documents as well as complete a research or applied civics project.
Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.
Interested in a non-traditional elective? The Directed Study course offers a unique and non-traditional learning experience for MAHS students (10th-12th), allowing them to take charge of their education by designing and pursuing their own individualized projects. This course empowers students to explore personal interests, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their creativity in a supportive environment. Each student will identify a topic for a project that sparks their passion, enabling them to tailor their learning experience to their interests and potential career aspirations. During the semester, students will have dedicated class time towards working on their project and meeting their personal goals. Weekly and monthly check-ins will help students to gauge their overall progress, provide feedback, and encourage reflection along the way. It will all lead up to creating a final product or presentation to showcase your journey.
Here are some examples from previous Directed Study projects.
creative writing; publishing a book
coding/robotics; creating an app
independent art show
community service project
learn a new language/skill
CTAE project
ACT/SAT test prep
AP study hall (must take 2 or more AP classes in the same semester)
work with a sports trainer to create meals and workout plans
A student watched the first season of Gray’s Anatomy, documented the medical inaccuracies, and created PSAs.
This course is application-based and is ideal for self-motivated learners ready to take initiative and responsibility for their educational path.