• Advanced Placement: Reaching New Heights

     

    Advanced Placement (AP) offerings are an important component of the high school curriculum in CUSD. The Honors/AP programs at all of our high schools welcome students on an open enrollment basis, as we encourage students to challenge themselves through the selection of rigorous coursework. Colleges and universities recognize the academic potential and solid work ethic that typically accompanies an AP student. Many post-secondary programs award credit for passing scores earned through the annual AP testing season. 
     
    Currently, there are 45 AP courses offered throughout the district. Each course is developed by a committee composed of college faculty and AP teachers, and covers the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course. AP courses are taught by highly qualified high school teachers, each using a formal guide that includes the course content, describes the curricular goals of the subject, and provides sample examination questions.
     
    The AP Examinations are administered each year in April and May and represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline in a secondary school setting. Rigorously developed by committees of college and AP high school faculty, the AP Exams test students' ability to perform at a college level.
     
     
    Frequently asked questions:
     
    Why should my student participate in the AP curriculum? 
     
    Is your son/daughter ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Through college-level courses and exams, students have the potential to earn college credit, ready themselves for the academic rigors of the post-secondary environment, compete in the college admissions process by participating in challenging classes. 
     
    How does my son/daughter enroll in an AP course in high school?
     
    In CUSD, any student may participate in the AP program. It is important that your student discuss his/her interest in taking one or more AP courses with a guidance counselor, teacher or another academic mentor so he/she clearly understands the expectations and workload of the accelerated classroom. For those new to advanced courses, additional preparation and/or support throughout the academic year may be extremely beneficial.

    What teaching and learning styles are used in the AP classroom?
     
    Students engage in intense discussions, learn to solve problems collaboratively and practice writing clearly and persuasively. Students practice higher-order, critical thinking skills and classes are taught be teachers that participate in mandatory and ongoing training in the expectations and methods utilized in these college-level courses.
     
    How does the AP classroom assist my student in preparing for college?
     
    AP courses help students acquire and refine the academic tools necessary to be successful in the collegiate setting. Typically, students improve their skills in the areas of writing, problem-solving , time management, discipline, and study habits.
     
    How will my student earn college credit and placement?
     
    The majority of four-year colleges in the United States, as well as colleges in more than 60 other countries, award students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of their AP Exam scores. By entering college with AP credits, students have the opportunity to enroll in upper level courses, pursue a double-major or study abroad while still completing their degrees in 4 years or less.
     
     

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