PROGRAM FAQ

Who is a good candidate for the AP program?

Students who consistently demonstrate a level 4 achievement in all subject areas and excellent in learning skills should apply for the AP program.

How do YDSB students who are "identified" as gifted enter the AP program?

Students attending any PACE program have a direct entry through the IPRC process. 

What does "identified" mean?

These students are formally “identified” as gifted through the IPRC process. 

How do "non-identified" and non-YCDSB students enter the AP program?

Non-identified and non-YCDSB students must submit an application for the AP program, which includes:

• Completed and signed application form

• Final Grade 7 Report Card

• Most recent Grade 8 Report Card

How do I submit my application?

Please complete your application by using the online link located on the Sacred Heart CHS main webpage

When are applications due?

Applications are typically due the second week of December.  Please visit the application form for exact deadlines.

When will students be notified of their application status?

An email will be sent in late December regarding a student’s application. 

Do students need to be formally identified as gifted to enrol in the AP program?

Students not formally identified as gifted can apply to the AP program using the “AP Program Application for Non-Identified Students” form. 

If applying from a non-YCDSB school and have an IEP, it must be submitted with the application.

Is bussing provided to AP students?

All identified gifted students living further than 4.8 km from the school (as per Board Policy 203) have access to transportation to the nearest PACE centre.

If you're  applying from a non-YCDSB school, students who reside outside 4.8 km and are identified as gifted (i.e. formal psychological assessment) may qualify for bussing upon YCDSB gifted status approval.  Please contact AP program coordinator (Vice Principal) for more information. 

Grade 8 students previously enrolled in a PACE centre entering high school will be eligible for transportation. *

Approved level 4 students, as per admission criteria, will not be eligible for board transportation and must make their own arrangements.

*Note:  All students living within 4.8 km of distance (as per Board policy 203) are not eligible for transportation.

Are students required to enrol in all the AP classes in Grades 10, 11, and 12?

Students are able to select the AP course they wish to enrol in, but they must select at least one AP course each year to be considered a part of the program (i.e. receive bussing)

Is there a cost to the AP program?

Student Application and Enhancement Fee Schedule (Yearly):

Initial Application Fee – $50 (one time only for non-gifted students.)

Note: the Student Activity Fee of $50 is also required.

Part 1:  Application Fee

Students required to pay the AP Application Fee

All grade 9 eligible students who are not enrolled in the grade 8 PACE program and wish to enrol in the AP program will be subject to an application fee.

Students exempt from the initial Application Fee

Students who are enrolled in the grade 8 PACE program in the York Catholic District School Board, will receive automatic entry into the secondary PACE (AP-Prep) program at the nearest PACE secondary school offering the AP program.  They will be not required to pay an application fee.

Part II: Exemption from Fees

Students exempt from the AP Application and Enhancement Fees

Students currently in the AP program, as of September 2021, will not be subject to an application fee or enhancement fee.  

Are students able to write AP exams on subjects not offered?

Yes, students may write any AP exam, even if the course is not offered at Sacred Heart, subject to availability and individual discussion with the AP Vice Princpal.

Are students required to write AP exams?

The College Board AP exams are optional. They are completely separate from AP-Preparatory (AP-Prep) and AP course work and evaluation.

What is the cost to write AP exams?

There is a cost of $135 for each AP exam written.