Advanced Placement (AP), Honors Program and Dual College Credit

The Advanced Placement Program is a program of college-level courses and examinations that gives high school students an opportunity to receive college credit while satisfying high school graduation requirements. In this program, students will be given the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as they study a subject in greater depth. The serious student will develop good study habits and self-discipline and should be highly motivated and interested in learning at a higher level. To prepare for the AP courses, students should consider taking Pre-Advanced Placement courses in the lower grades.

The following courses have been designated as Honors, AP or Dual Credit courses:

English 

English I - Honors

English II - Honors

English III - AP (English Language) or Dual Credit-Composition I and II

English IV - AP  or Dual Credit (American and British Literature)

Oral Interpretation I

Oral Interpretation II

Oral Interpretation II

Social Studies 

World History - Honors or AP

World Geography - Honors

U.S. History - AP or Dual Credit

Government - Dual Credit

Economics - Dual Credit

Mathematics 

College Algebra - Dual Credit

Algebra II - Honors

Geometry - Honors

Pre-Calculus - Honors 

Calculus - AP

Statistics - Dual Credit

Science

Biology I - Honors or Dual Credit

Chemistry - Honors or Dual Credit

Physics 1 - Dual Credit

Geoscience - Dual Credit

Languages

Spanish II - Honors

Spanish III - Honors

Spanish IV - AP

ASL III - Honors

According to the guidelines set by the State Board of Education, core and language honors classes do not affect UIL student eligibility, however, this policy is subject to yearly modifications as mandated by UIL directives.

AP Exam Information with schedule:

Students taking AP courses are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the course. The fee for the advanced placement exam is $96.00 (reduced fee for eligible students with financial need). If students choose not to take the college board exam, students will take the district version of the AP test. The district version of the test will be considered as the semester exam grade and be weighted accordingly. It is the student’s financial responsibility to pay for the AP exam. Students who enroll in Advanced Placement classes should be task committed, have good time management skills, and be able to handle the rigor of college level courses. Students and parents will be required to sign a contract for entrance into these courses and abide by all requirements and policies.

 Benefits of Taking Honors, Honors or dual credit classes:

1. Students are better prepared academically in college admission measures of ability and achievement.

2. Students are more likely to specialize in majors with tougher grading standards.

3. Students are more likely to complete more course work and to take higher-level courses.

4. Students are less likely to drop out of college.

5. Students perform significantly better over four years in their course work.

6. Students are more likely to be successful in terms of leadership and significant accomplishments.