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Advanced Placement

COLLEGE/ POST SECONDARY CREDIT IN HIGH SCHOOL
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are some of the most rigorous courses offered at Ponderosa High School. These courses receive weighted grades. AP courses offered to students include the following: AP Art History, AP Jewelry, AP Ceramics, AP Drawing and Painting, AP Language, AP Literature, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Human Geography, AP German, AP US Government, AP US History, AP European History, AP Psychology, AP Spanish.

ADVANTAGES OF TAKING ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

  • AP courses and exams begin the journey through college academic challenges.
  • Collegiate institutions recognize that applicants with AP experience are better prepared for the demands of college.
  • Tuition savings are realized for students whose AP performance awards them college credit.
  • More than 1,400 collegiate institutions award a full years credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting satisfactory grades on a specific number of AP exams.
  • AP students are eligible for honors and other special programs in college.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSE CONSIDERATIONS

  • All Ponderosa High School students are encouraged to take at least one Advanced Placement level course in high school.
  • Before committing to multiple Advanced Placement exams, students should consider the following:
  1. Increased amount of homework
  2. Increased rigor of coursework
  3. Time management skills with regard to balancing multiple high-level courses
  4. Extra-curricular activities that might impact ability to fulfill course requirements
  • Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses that may allow students toearn college credit based on AP exam scores when accepted by prospective collegeor university.
  • Advanced Placement courses have weighted grades; however, students might experience lower grades as a result of intense study and homework requirements.
  • Advanced Placement students should expect to complete a minimum of one and a half (1.5) hours of homework per AP class each night. This is in addition to non-AP classes.
  • Students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes at PHS are expected to sit for May exams.
  • Advanced Placement exams cost $89 per exam. $45 late fee per exam can be assessed if sign-up and payment is not made on time.
  • Financial aid is available for exam fees.
  • Many Advanced Placement courses require summer work. See teacher or school website for specifics.
  • Research supports the fact that high schools students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses have a higher success rate during freshman year of college.

AP Courses Expectations and Information