AP Courses

COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR 2-D PORTFOLIO: This is a full-year course developed to accommodate students who have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to excel in design-based artworks.  These students will complete an AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio with an emphasis on design. Research, design practice, and regular (at least biweekly) oral and written critiques will be integral parts of this course. The students will complete both sections (Sustained Investigation and Selected Work Quality Section) of the portfolio. This course will emphasize ongoing documented experimentation with design concepts, composition, and media using required sketchbooks. Students will use these sketchbooks daily, and they will be the core source of ideation and documentation of their artmaking. Students will understand that creating and developing art is a constant, ongoing activity that involves personal decision making. Artistic Integrity, copyright, professional ethics, moving beyond duplication, and plagiarism will be discussed on an ongoing basis and are embedded throughout the course, and in core instruction of the course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR DRAWING PORTFOLIO: AP (Advanced Placement) Drawing is a program administered by the College Board to provide highly motivated high school students with an opportunity to earn college credit in art with a drawing focus. Students will submit a drawing portfolio to the College Board with work that focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface, space, light and shade, and composition. Students will submit a portfolio that includes five selected works (demonstrating drawing skills and synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) and 15 sustained investigation images (demonstrating drawing skills, practice, experimentation, and revision, as well as synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) based on an investigation of the student’s choosing. Students should consider marks that can be used to make drawings, the arrangement of marks, the materials and processes used to make marks, and relationships of marks and ideas. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas. Drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed media work are among the possibilities for submission. This course will emphasize ongoing documented experimentation with design concepts, composition, and media using required sketchbooks. Students will use these sketchbooks daily, and they will be the core source of ideation and documentation of their artmaking. Students will understand that creating and developing art is a constant, ongoing activity that involves personal decision making. Artistic Integrity, copyright, professional ethics, moving beyond duplication, and plagiarism will be discussed on an ongoing basis and are embedded throughout the course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR 3-D DESIGN PORTFOLIO: The AP 3-D Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making forms and structures in art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, concepts, and ideas in three dimensions. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design 3-D foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to create, explore, and develop works as well as to articulate information about their work. AP 3-D Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, exploration, revision, communication, and reflection. This course will emphasize ongoing documented experimentation with design concepts, composition, and media using required sketchbooks. Students will use these sketchbooks daily, and they will be the core source of ideation and documentation of their artmaking. Students will understand that creating and developing art is a constant, ongoing activity that involves personal decision making. Artistic Integrity, copyright, professional ethics, moving beyond duplication, and plagiarism will be discussed on an ongoing basis and are embedded throughout the course.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students must have had at least 2 years of art classes before considering the AP Art and Design courses.  Knowledge of the elements and principles of art, compositional rules, and a portfolio that reflects the progress of their artistic skill is required.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students in the art and design course are expected to spend at least 6 hours a week outside of class developing their craft and work for the portfolio. This includes after school open studio time with instructor as well as independent work at home.

SUMMER WORK: AP Art & Design Summer Work

Contact: Linn Zamora

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Advancement Placement Biology is the equivalent of an introductory college biology course taken by biology majors. This course aids in the development of the process of scientific inquiry and thinking. It provides students with a conceptual foundation in the major biological themes: science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity, and change. This, coupled with in-depth lectures and extensive laboratory investigations, provides students with access to exciting, hands-on experiences. AP Biology will also help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and gain an appreciation of science as a process. 

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Biology is largely vocabulary-based, so self-motivation and organization are key to success. The ability to read and interpret large amounts of material and apply understanding to different scenarios is frequently used. Also, the ability to deduce information and make inferences regarding concepts is a valuable skill.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: There are extensive periodic assignments throughout the semester. The AP College Board recommended labs are completed outside of regular class time at teacher direction. Lab evaluations of data collected in the lab environment are done independently in report form. Reading of the textbook is necessary.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Dr. Lijuan Shang

COURSE DESCRIPTION: AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first-semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions (College Board, AP Calculus AB).

Note: AB Calculus covers 2/3 of the material covered in AP Calculus BC.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students should have a strong background in Algebra, Geometry, and Precalculus and a commitment to complete all assigned work, even if it is not graded. Students should have the ability to work independently. Intrinsic motivation to work hard and willingness to seek help when needed as well as problem-solving skills are necessary.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Daily: 0-45 minutes for work not completed during class time. Additional time may be required if in need of tutoring before or after school. Outside of class preparation will be required for quizzes (1 hour), unit tests (2 hours), final exam (4-6 hours), and AP Exam in May (12-18 hours).

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact for AP Calculus AB: Teresa Brooks

Contact for AP Calculus BC: Gagandeep Mahal

DESCRIPTION: AP Computer Science Principles is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. Students will develop computational thinking skills, analyze and study data, and work with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. They will create a computer program and demonstrate employability skills working with digital artifacts, digital abstractions, and the operation of the Internet.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students should have a strong foundation in basic linear functions and composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. Students should be able to use a Cartesian coordinate system to represent points on a plane and possess a strong work ethic due to the pace and rigor of the course.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Homework is assigned frequently, and includes readings and videos, exercises, and quiz and test preparation.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Alex Wood

DESCRIPTION: The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to help high school students become skilled readers of a variety of texts, as well as become skilled writers. Students achieve this through awareness of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the ways that writing rules and language-use contribute to effective writing. The course is designed for students who love reading, writing, and discussion, or are at least willing to apply themselves to the task.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students should have a strong work ethic coupled with a fundamental understanding of writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students should plan to devote about 30 minutes every day to AP English Language and Composition.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Christopher Smith

AP English Language & Composition can be taken in place of Senior Language Arts (a 12^th grade graduation requirement).

DESCRIPTION: This Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition course is designed to develop your ability to read and understand literature, communicate in writing and in speech, and polish skills you will need in your academic and professional future. The course follows the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description, and, unlike other levels of language arts, the “Advanced Placement” designation indicates that this is a college-level literature course with increased academic rigor and intellectual demands.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: The most important skills for AP English Literature and Composition are reading and writing. You will need to plan time in your schedule for more reading than most courses require. Novels and plays in particular require planning. The writing assignments in this course are varied, but include writing to understand, writing to explain, and writing to evaluate. All critical writing asks that you evaluate the effectiveness of a literary piece, but being an effective evaluator requires you to understand and explain. You will write critical papers of varying lengths, explicate poetry, short fiction, and drama, and perform a close reading of novels. Each paper will use specific and well-chosen evidence to communicate an argument about poems, drama, and fiction. These critical essays are based on close textual analysis of structure, style, and social/historical values.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Through the course of the year, students will read at least five novels. Students complete all reading at home, and all reading assignments include written work that focuses on character development and thematic ideas. Culminating assignments for novels include major work reviews and preparation of Socratic seminars. Students should plan to devote about 30 minutes every day to AP English Literature and Composition.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Martin Coe

AP English Literature and Composition can be taken in place of Senior Language Arts (a 12 grade graduation requirement).

DESCRIPTION: This multidisciplinary course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. It is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them (College Board, AP Environmental Science).

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Self-motivation and analytical thinking (or willingness to learn) are needed. Math is incorporated into almost every unit so basic math skills are necessary. Students should have an interest in understanding Earth’s interconnectivity.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: An average of 30 minutes per class to complete assignments, read, prepare for labs, write reports, take quizzes, and/or study for tests.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Alaina Davis

DESCRIPTION: AP Human Geography is a year-long course that focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of the human population on this planet. Units of study include population, migration, culture, language, religion, ethnicity, politics, economic development, industry, agriculture, and urban geography. Emphasis is placed on geographic models and their applications, including case studies from around the globe.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students need to be avid readers and notetakers. They need to be able to discuss the topics and be able to make abstract connections within the context of the class and the real world.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students are required to read and complete terms every day. They will also have other assignments that are started in class and completed at home. There are mini projects and one major project each semester. These are mostly completed in class.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Bailey Baker

DESCRIPTION: AP Macroeconomics examines the principles of economics, which apply to economic systems as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination as well as performance measures, economic growth, and international economics.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Organizational skills, basic math skills, and analytical thinking are a must.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: 30-45 minutes per night

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Tiffany Sanford

This is a one-semester course combined with AP US Government for the other semester.

AP Macroeconomics can be taken in place of Economics (a 12-grade graduation requirement).

DESCRIPTION: This course is an introductory course teaching laws of motion through a balance of lecture with guided discussion and hands-on lab activities. Students in this course do not need any prior physical courses.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Self-motivation and analytical thinking (or willingness to learn) are needed. Math is incorporated into almost every unit so basic math skills are necessary. Students should have an interest in understanding Earth’s interconnectivity.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: An average of 30 minutes per class to complete assignments, read, prepare for labs, write reports, take quizzes, and/ or study for tests.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Jenny Howard

AP Physics I can be taken in place of Physics (graduation requirement) or can be taken after the successful completion of Physics (as an elective).

DESCRIPTION: This course is the scientific study of the brain and human behavior

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students must have the ability to read and write with strong reading and vocabulary skills. You must have good study skills and the ability to organize and apply your time. The ability to learn new vocabulary is a must.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Approximately 45 minutes each night of reading or studying.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Sarah Bess Zigler

DESCRIPTION: This class builds and tests students’ research and synthesis skills by having students look at real-world issues and arguments through a variety of different lenses, and present/defend their findings through both written reports and live multimedia presentations. 

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Although reading, writing, and public speaking skills are all important for this class, so are time management and self-discipline, as the work is challenging and often self-directive.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students should expect to spend, on average, about 30-45 minutes a night reading literary materials, taking short, weekly online quizzes, and completing major assignments such as speeches and research papers. These 30 minutes will fluctuate depending on upcoming assessments and activities.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Dr. James Glenn

DESCRIPTION: The Advanced Placement Spanish Language course adheres to the College Board AP Central course description and is comparable to fifth and sixth-semester college and university courses that focus on speaking and writing in the target language at an advanced level. The course is taught entirely in Spanish.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: The emphasis of the course is on strengthening communicative abilities in Spanish in order to demonstrate strong interactive communicative ability in Spanish in the interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive modes; a strong command of Spanish linguistic skills. These include accuracy and fluency that support communicative ability; comprehension of Spanish intended for native speakers in a variety of settings, types of disclosure, topics, styles, and board regional variations; ability to produce Spanish comprehensible to native speakers in a variety of settings, types of discourse, and topics.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Most of what is learned in the course is accomplished with intensive work in the class. Outside work includes studying for quizzes and exams, correcting exams or essays, and finishing work not completed during class time.

SUMMER WORK: The summer assignment is designed to keep Spanish skills fresh. It will take approximately an hour per week to complete.

Contact: Ariadna Gastou

DESCRIPTION: Students will learn how to make sense of categorical and quantitative data using graphs and summary statistics. Students will also learn how to select a random sample, reduce bias and variability when conducting surveys, and set up a valid controlled experiment. They will explore probability theory, compute and interpret confidence intervals, and conduct tests of significance. Emphasis of this course is an interpretation rather than calculations.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: The most successful students are good logical thinkers and good writers. Algebra II is the math prerequisite.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Student will spend about 30 minutes on homework each night

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Nilesh Shah

DESCRIPTION: AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts ideas, institutions, politics, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional systems and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret date, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Self-motivation, analytical thinking, good reading and writing skills, good study skills, and organizational habits are a must

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students should spend approximately 30-45 minutes each night and outside of class commitments include class readings, review of course materials, and online assignments.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: James Frew

This is a one-semester course combined with AP Macroeconomics for the other semester.

AP US Government & Politics can be taken in place of Political Systems (a 12-grade graduation requirement).

DESCRIPTION: AP United States History focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. History from the development of Native American society to the present while applying historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. AP Students will explore American & National Identity, Migration and Settlement, Politics and Power, Work, Exchange, and Technology, America in the World, Geography, and Environment, and Society and Culture while experiencing historical inquiry for investigation through the course. These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time, causation, and comparisons among various historical development in different times and places.  

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students are expected to be engaged in class with regard to the following: actively taking notes, participating in class discussions, posing questions about course material, and keeping pace with course readings. Students should also have highly developed reading and writing skills, which are essential to success in the course.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students should expect to dedicate 30-40 minutes each night reviewing key concept importance and connection to the “larger” impact on their lives, America, and the world.

SUMMER WORK: Writing skill developments over SAQs, LEQs, and DBQs.

Contact: Hadley Robins

DESCRIPTION: The focus of AP World History is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their course and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students must have a high level of reading comprehension, be comfortable analyzing documents, and be a skilled essay writer.

OUT OF CLASS COMMITMENTS: Students are expected to read assigned pages of the textbook or notes each night. Furthermore, students will be assigned scholarly articles, lecture notes, historical skills practice, eClass assessments, and/or reading questions in addition to reading and studying some evening.

SUMMER WORK: NONE

Contact: Dr. James Glenn

AP World History can be taken in place of World History (a 10th-grade graduation requirement).