Academic Options

Advanced Placement Courses 

www.collegeboard.org

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is an academic program designed to provide motivated high school students with college-level academic courses. Westerville City Schools offers 20 AP courses that are more rigorous than traditional high school courses and are designed to develop the skills needed for success in college. Courses follow the College Board’s AP curriculum to prepare students for an AP exam at the end of the year-long course. Course enrollment is self-selected.

Research shows that students who take AP courses:

• send a signal to colleges that they’re serious about their education and that they’re willing to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework.

• learn essential time management and study skills needed for college and career success.

• are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time.

• dig deeper into subjects that interest them, and learn to tap their creativity and their problem-solving skills to address course challenges. 

Keys to success in an AP course include:

• interest, motivation, self-discipline, and willingness to grow as a learner.

• time and commitment to AP work such as daily review, daily reading, projects outside of class, and assignments to be completed in the summer.

AP courses have a 1.25 weighted credit; students are encouraged (but not required) to take the AP exam.

Westerville City Schools encourages the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP courses for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the AP program and makes every effort to ensure that AP classes reflect the diversity of our student population. 

Courses Offered in Westerville City Schools* 

*Other AP courses may be taken through a Credit Flexibility option.

Earning College Credit

• AP exams are administered in May.  Students wishing to opt out of an AP exam must do so by the College Board deadline.   

• Students that wish to take an AP exam that are eligible for free or reduced lunch options should check with their counselors about exam fee waivers. 

• Students can earn college credit or advancement in college coursework by earning qualifying scores on these tests. Students who earn a 3 or higher on an AP exam receive credit that is accepted by all of Ohio’s public universities and colleges.

• The number of credits and how they apply towards a degree vary depending on the test and the college. Students can only receive such credit if they take the AP test. Private colleges and universities outside of Ohio have specific policies in place that may vary from Ohio’s public institutions.

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International Baccalaureate Courses

Career-Technical Programs at Career Centers 

Career Pathways

Global Scholars Program

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College Credit Plus 

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Credit Flexibility Option 

Credit Flexibility Option 

Learning opportunities, experiences, and/or activities that extend, enhance, or supplement high school coursework often lie outside the standard curriculum or traditional school setting. Thus, the Credit Flexibility Option allows students to earn high school credit based on the demonstration of subject area competency.

Examples of experiences that might lead to flexible credit approval may include, but are not limited to:

• An accredited online course (go to this link http://tinyurl.com/WestervilleCFA for approved courses and providers)

• An internship or research experience in the community.

• Dance classes or club sport participation such as rowing. Note that all activities must contain:

  • instructional objectives that align with the district’s curriculum requirements; 

  • an outline that specifies instructional activities, materials, and environments; and 

  • a description of criteria and methods for assessing student performance.

Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for expenses related to Credit Flex programs or options.

Students who plan on participating in athletics at the Division I College Level should be aware that the credit flexibility test-out option will not be included as part of the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center’s qualifying core classes required for eligibility. Student athletes should consult the NCAA if they have any questions.

Credit Flexibility Process

Prior to submitting the Credit Flexibility Application:

1. A parent or guardian must approve participation for any student under the age of eighteen.

2. An instructional plan is created based upon individual student needs, including:

   1. instructional objectives that align with the district’s curriculum requirements

   2. an outline that specifies instructional activities, materials, and environments

   3. a description of criteria and methods for assessing student performance

3. The school counselor and teacher of record review the instructional plan.

4. The teacher of record confirms involvement in providing or supervising instruction and evaluating student performance.

5. The school counselor submits the form to the Office of Alternative Education. 

Once submitted, the Credit Flexibility Application:

1. Immediate approval may be granted for pre-approved and online accredited courses

2. A team of curricular specialists, teachers, and administrators reviews the application

After completing the Credit Flexibility Option:

1. It is the responsibility of the teacher of record to email the final grade to the Office of Alternative Education.

2. Academic credit will be assigned according to student performance relative to the stated objectives and granted upon successful completion of the program. 

3. The credit will be placed on the student’s transcript. 

4. Credits earned from educational options may be counted toward graduation requirements in accordance with applicable State Law and Administrative Code.

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