University High School administers the AP exams in May of each academic year in most subject areas.
In May 2011, the school administered 140 exams to 86 students.
Historically roughly 3 out of every 4 graduates (75%) have taken at least one AP test. The school's historical mean of all AP tests stands at a 3.34 and a median score among all scores of 4.
Results from the May AP tests are typically available the first week of July during the same calendar year.
The school assigns additional weight to AP courses by adding one (1) grade point to the semester grades earned in these courses (for example, a B earned in a semester of an AP course would count as a 4.3, instead of the standard 3.3). Weighted GPA is the official GPA stated on report cards and transcripts. Unweighted GPA is used for determining status for Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, or academic probation.
A student is allowed to register for an AP class if he / she earned a B- or higher in both semesters of the preceding class. (Because the registration for classes is done before 2nd semester grades are finalized, this means a student may be denied registration for an AP class if his / her 2nd semester grade in the preceding class is below a B-.) This is only a minimum statement of eligibility; each student should still carefully consider the demands of the AP course and its expectations.
AP classes are designed to give a student a chance to take an advanced, upper level course. Each student will be doing college-level work throughout the year. In May, a national exam is held to test the student's knowledge of the subject studied. Students who do well on this exam may be able to earn college credit and/or placement. In order to be successful in an AP class, a student must be ready to make a serious commitment to work throughout the year. He/she must meet the following requirements and make the following commitments for each AP class. If he/she is unable or unwilling to make this commitment for the entire year, a student should not sign up for an AP class.
Good academic performance in previous classes in that subject area (and specifically, a grade of B- or higher in both semesters of the preceding class) and have demonstrated a consistent, sustained commitment to excellence and personal responsibility.
Enter into an AP course with a reasonable expectation about grades. An AP course is a demanding one; it is designed as a college-level course. Therefore, the pace and level of thought expected are set accordingly. It is unlikely that a student will earn a higher grade than that which he / she earned in the preceding course; without a good deal of effort and persistence, it is likely it could be lower.
Commit to:
- 50 - 60 minutes of nightly homework
- 4 - 6 mandatory class sessions during January Term (realize this may mean not being able to take a January Term class that involves extensive off campus travel)
- Independent work over January Term, Winter Break, and Spring Break
- Possible Saturday sessions: these would include laboratory sessions for AP Chemistry and AP Biology, and exam preparation sessions for all AP classes
- Possible mandatory work over the summer to prepare for the class
- Taking the AP exam in May
AP Course [Specific Preceding Course]
AP English Language (generally junior-level class) [Great Books]
AP English Literature (generally senior-level class) [AP English Language OR 2 semester of other advanced coursework]
AP U.S. History [2 semesters of European History]
AP Calculus AB [Precalculus]
AP Statistics [Precalculus]
AP Biology [Biology & Chemistry]
AP Chemistry [Chemistry]
AP Physics [Physics]
AP Spanish [Spanish 4]
AP French [French 4]
AP Studio Art (Drawing) [Two semesters of Studio Art]
AP Studio Art (Photography) [Two semesters of Photography]
If a student thinks he / she qualifies for registering for a specific AP course without having taking the preceding course specified above, he/she should speak with the teachers of the given department to seek approval.
Course: AP English Language and Composition
Prerequisite: Great Books or equivalent 10th grade course; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
Special Note: This satisfies 2 credits of advanced coursework from the graduation requirements
AP English Language and Composition is designed to mirror a college-level composition class. In this course, students will strive to become critical readers, analytical writers, and successful communicators. While the objectives and requirements listed in the AP English Course Description guide the organization of this course, multi-week thematic units center on the discussion and analysis of an American cultural myth in order to encourage students to think critically about their beliefs and their world. In addition to readings, each unit will be anchored by a multi-drafted piece of writing on which students will receive peer and teacher feedback. This writing is evaluated based on effective and appropriate use of a variety of vocabulary and sentence structure, logical organization, development and support of ideas and claims, effective use of rhetoric (including tone, voice and emphasis), and an understanding of purpose and audience. Students should expect to complete 3-4 formally drafted essays and 3-4 exams each semester, along with regular work in a reading journal and vocabulary lessons.
Course: AP English Literature and Composition
Prerequisite: Great Books or equivalent 10th grade course; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
Special Note: This satisfies 2 credits of advanced coursework from the graduation requirements
Welcome to the study of great works written in English by some of the most talented writers in world history. The year-long course of our reading stretches from early works in English such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to work on the "New Releases" shelves of the local bookstore. We will be reading poems, plays, stories, essays, and novels, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the craft of the English language and the history of its literature.
The course will be divided chronologically, with several texts in each period making up a unit. You will be given an AP exam-style question to answer at the end of each unit as part of your grade. You will also be writing discussion questions (including your position on the question) and explications that we will cover both in our class meetings and on the class blog. At the end of each semester there will be a comprehensive examination. Finally, part of your grade will be determined by a creative project on some reading of your choice. You will have the option of group or solo work using multimedia, the stage, original writing inspired by a great author-something of your invention that focuses on the work of someone we've studied during the semester and that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of that work. Expect to memorize.
Course: AP United States History
Prerequisite: See ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
Special Note: This (or U.S. History) is the standard 11th grade social studies course
The AP United States History course covers the historical development of the U.S. from colonial times up to the twenty-first century. While principally utilizing the framework of political history, the course also incorporates the approaches of economic, social, and diplomatic history. The AP U. S. History course follows the guidelines and requirements provided by the College Board's Advanced Placement program, and it is taught with the academic expectations and rigor of a college survey course. Consequently, the amount of reading, testing, and writing is significantly more than the regular U.S. History course.
Course: AP Calculus (AB)
Prerequisite: Precalculus; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
Advanced Placement Calculus is equivalent to a first semester college-level course. The text used is a college-level text and the students are expected to work at a rapid pace. The curriculum followed is the curriculum outlined by the organization that administers the Advanced Placement exam in May. The students also use a graphing calculator, as technology is an important part of mathematics at this level. The students are required to think "outside the box" in calculus. Much of the mathematics involved is not difficult; what is hard is putting many different ideas together in order to solve a problem.
The course begins with a short review of pertinent material covered in previous courses. The first semester is used to discover how the derivative of an equation is found and how that derivative is used. There are many applications of the derivative, and the students are exposed to a variety of situations. In the second semester, students work with integrals. Again, they are expected to use their knowledge to solve a wide range of applications.
The course is a rigorous one, but one that, with effort, can be successfully completed. It prepares students for a college level calculus class, and in many instances, a student can place out of a college class with a good score on the AP Exam in May.
Course: AP Statistics
Prerequisite: Precalculus; others with teacher and mentor approval; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The students use computer statistics programs as well as a graphing calculator (or computer-based statistics programs) in this course; technology is an important part of mathematics at this level. Much of the mathematics involved is not difficult. What is hard is putting many different ideas together in order to solve a problem. The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes:
- Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns
- Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study
- Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
- Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses
This course is a rigorous one, but one that can be completed successfully with work.
Course: Advanced Mathematics
Prerequisite: Any student having completed AP Calculus AB and wanting more advanced math is encouraged to apply. If a rising senior who has completed Pre-Calculus with an A or A average may with instructor permission, take this course concurrent with AP Calculus AB
Length: Year-long class
This course is intended for students who wish to explore advanced areas of mathematics that fall within the post analytic geometry realm. It is intended for students who are seriously considering a career or ultimate pursuit of an advanced degree in a technical or mathematical field. The course should prove interesting and enjoyable to students who enjoy both math challenge and math thinking. The course will explore the topic of number theory, historical proofs, complex variables, linear algebra, numerical analysis, differential equations and advanced calculus. It will also explore several chapters of Calculus that are not covered as in the AB course due to time constraints. Conceivably, this course should elevate an AB Calculus student to BC levle and enrolled students could sit for the BC exam if so desired.
Course: AP Biology
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
This class is a college level course designed to challenge students to extend their knowledge of biological theory and processes. Students will increase their factual knowledge of biology. The class will provide students an understanding of the larger concepts and underlying themes of biology, and in addition present biology as a dynamic process. The themes covered will include evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, regulation, interdependence in nature, structure vs. function, science as a process, and science in technology and society. In general, the course content will follow that set by the College Board for an AP Biology course.
Course: AP Chemistry
Prerequisite: Chemistry; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
Special Note: Offered in 2012-2013; alternates with Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Introduction to Biochemistry
This course is equivalent to a first-year college general chemistry course. It will build upon the chemistry principles studied in a first-year chemistry course and explore new topics. The following topics will be covered: measurement, atoms, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, states of matter, solutions, equilibrium, acids/bases, thermodynamics, reaction rates (kinetics), electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and coordination chemistry. There will be greater emphasis on the mathematical formulations associated with these chemical principles than in your first year chemistry course.
Students may work independently or in pairs in the laboratory, and the laboratory activities will reinforce concepts and processes discussed in class. The nature and variety of laboratory experiments will also be more detailed than in a first-year chemistry course. During the lab, students will use LabPro units attached to their computers to collect and analyze various types of numerical data.
Course: AP Physics C (Mechanics) and AP Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism)
Prerequisite: Physics; AP Calculus is a co-requisite or prerequisite; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: These are two 1-semester classes, offered in sequence as a year-long class.
The goal of this semester-long course is to provide an introductory college level understanding of calculus-based mechanics and electricity and magnetism. This will be done through student-driven discussions, problem solving and laboratory experiments.
Course: AP French Language
Prerequisite: French 4 or French 5 or consent of instructor; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
The AP French language course is a college-level French course conducted entirely in French. All students enrolled in AP French are required to take the AP exam in May. Throughout the year, students will refine their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as well as demonstrate mastery of French grammar. They will also formally prepare for each section of the AP exam: reading comprehension, verb fill-in, function word fill-in, listening comprehension, writing, and speaking. By the end of the course, students will be expected to understand the spoken French of native speakers in a variety of contexts, understand literary and non-literary writings without the use of a dictionary, express themselves coherently and with reasonable fluency and accuracy in both their written and spoken French, recognize and use a varied vocabulary, and gain knowledge and appreciation of francophone cultures
Course: AP Spanish Language
Prerequisite: Spanish 4 or permission of instructor; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
AP Spanish Language is equivalent to a third-year college course in advanced composition and conversation. It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and essay writing. Students who enroll in this course should have a good command of Spanish grammar and be competent in the four language skills. They should expect one hour of homework daily. This course will be taught entirely in Spanish.
Course: AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio
Prerequisite: Seniors only; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
Throughout the semester students will be exploring the three primary components of the AP portfolio; Quality, Concentration, and Breadth and create 24 well-executed works. Each piece should display a broad understanding and mastery of a variety of materials, techniques, and concepts and investigate art in all aspects (historical, cultural, and technical). Students will develop mastery in concept, composition; and execution of 2-D design and be able to discuss artwork through critiques with their peers and instructor.
As a survey course, the material is approached as an introduction to the discipline. The primary goals of this course are for students become versed in the visual language of art and simultaneously encourage further study in college.
In preparation for the AP Exam students will be able to write essays and complete exams defining vocabulary from the field of art history, fully identify specific works of art (title, artist, media, culture, artistic movement or period, and date), and analyze composition, symbolism and psychological function of those works of art.
Course: AP Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio
Prerequisite: Seniors only; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
This course is geared primarily for seniors who may possibly be thinking about a career in photography or the graphic arts. Throughout the year students will choose a selected portfolio that is appropriate for their personal goals in the art program. ?They will explore in depth the three primary components of the AP portfolio; Quality, Concentration, and Breadth and in April will select 24 of their strongest pieces to submit to the College Board. Students should investigate art in all aspects (historical, cultural, and technical) allowing them make informed and critical decisions while creating their own works as well as develop mastery in concept, composition; and execution of printing and editing digitally. Throughout the semester the class will have regular critiques with their peers and instructor to guide them along the process
Course: AP Art History:
Prerequisite: Seniors only; see ‘Expectations about Advanced Placement Classes' at start of this guide
Length: Year-long class
The purpose of this course is to study the development of art and its relationship with history from prehistoric times to present (contemporary) day. This course will teach students to understand works of art within their historical context by examining issues such as politics, religion, patronage, gender, function, and ethnicity. Various artistic media is studied in these approximate proportions: 40% painting and drawing, 25 % architecture, 25% sculpture, and 10 % other media. This course combines proper historical techniques and procedures with an emphasis on the role played by both the artist and the work of art, its context, and the critic. Equally important is the comparison between European art with examples of art from other cultures that exist and explored art beyond the European tradition.
Course: AP Computer Science A
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Length: Year-long class
Special Note: Basic computer proficiency and literacy are needed
AP Computer Science is an introductory course in computer science. Because the development of computer programs to solve problems is a skill fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solve a given problem. A major objective of the class will be for students to be able to code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java.