Advanced Placement (AP)
Advanced Academics Programs
North Forest High School offers both Advanced Placement (AP) courses as well as services for Gifted and Talented (G/T) Students. Our program is designed to meet the needs of G/T students in grades 9-12 by providing an environment for students to work with their cognitive peers. The program provides a differentiated curriculum by modifying the depth, complexity, and pacing of the general school program.
What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
Advanced Placement is a cooperative endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. This program, sponsored by the College Board, is designed to enable students to have the opportunity to take college level courses while still in high school. At the end of an AP class, the student sits for the AP Exam – potentially earning college credit. Tests are administered at North Forest and registration typically takes place in early February through the middle of March with the exams themselves taking place in May. The best source for information on AP is the College Board website – www.collegeboard.com .
Why should I take AP courses?
AP courses teach students skills that can lead to success in college. Students will develop the writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and study habits that will prepare him/her for college academics. Plus, taking rigorous AP courses demonstrates a student’s maturity, willingness to push themselves intellectually, and commitment to academic excellence, which can help them stand out in the college admissions process.
What are AP Exams?
AP Exams are given once a year in May. These exams provide students with a standardized measure of what they’ve accomplished in the AP classroom. Colleges and universities will use these AP Exam grades to possibly award the student credit, placement or both.
This sounds like a lot of work. Are there any other rewards?
In addition to the intellectual rewards listed above, AP and PAP students are also rewarded with an extra point on their GPA.
For example –
Student A – Preparatory English 1 Semester Grade: A GPA points: 4
Student B – Pre-AP English 1 Semester Grade: A GPA points: 5
The following chart summarizes the GPA points for Pre-AP/AP vs. Prep classes.
Pre-AP/AP Preparatory
A 90-100 5 points 4 points
B 80 – 89 4 points 3 points
C 75 – 79 3 points 2 points
D 70 – 74 2 points 1 points
F 0 – 69 0 points 0 points