Advanced Placement Program

 

 

CHS AP Coordinator Information

Mark Brewer

Assistant Principal

(303) 387-3500

 

2007-2008

 

What is the Advanced Placement Program?

The Advanced Placement Program® is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. Since its inception in 1955, the Program has provided motivated high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Students who participate in the Program not only gain college-level skills, but in many cases they also earn college credit while they are still in high school. AP courses are taught by dedicated and enthusiastic high school teachers who follow course guidelines developed and published by the College Board.

-The College Board: AP Central, 2005

AP Courses at

Chaparral High School

English

Language & Composition

Literature

Fine Arts

Studio Art

Drawing & Painting

2D & 3D Design

World Language

French Language

German Language

Spanish Language

Math

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Computer Science

Statistics

Science

Biology

Chemistry

Physics C (Calculus based)

Physics B (Algebra based)

Social Studies

Government & Politics: U.S.

European History

U.S. History

Student Profile

 

We recommend that students undertaking Advanced Placement ® course work:

 

• desire to undertake rigorous, in depth study of the course content;
• have a history of satisfactory performance within the content area;
• possess a strong work ethic and superior study skills;
• demonstrate strong language skills.  Students should be able to read and write at or above grade level;
• advocate and take responsibility for their own learning;
• understand that the pace of Advanced Placement® instruction requires daily attendance;
• meet the established pre-requisites for specific courses;
• have sufficient time management skills to balance academics, athletics, and activities
• are mature, curious, and active learners who will contribute to classroom discussions and activities.

Rigor and Pace

 

In order to maintain the Advanced Placement® designation, all courses must follow the curriculum as established by the College Board.  All performance expectations, instruction, and assessment are directed toward the equivalent of a university freshman level course. Homework can range between five and seven or more hours weekly per Advanced Placement® class.  While students receive weighted grades for their participation in the Advanced Placement Program®, parents and students should note that, per Douglas County School District policy, grades of D and F are not weighted.  In addition, as multiple Advanced Placement® courses within a student’s schedule can mean a significant time commitment, those students carrying four or more Advanced Placement courses® are asked to discuss this with their parents and a counselor or the Chaparral High School Advanced Placement Program® coordinator.

Advantages of taking AP Classes

• AP courses and exams begin the journey through college level 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 that 1,400 collegiate institutions award a full year’s 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.

The Advanced Placement Exam

All students enrolled in an Advanced Placement® course are expected to take the exam in the spring of that academic year.  Currently, the cost of the exam is $86 apiece.  Exam dates are scheduled over a year in advance and students are required to take the exam on the date specified.

 

 

AP Scholar Awards Program

• AP Scholar is granted to students who receive grades of 3.0 or higher on three or more AP exams or full year courses (or the equivalent).
• AP Scholar with Honor Award is granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
• AP Scholar with Distinction Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
• National AP Scholar Award is granted to students in the United States who receive an average grade of at least 4.0 on all AP exams taken, grades of four or higher on eight or more of these exams on full year courses (or the equivalent).
• In 2006, CHS had 27 Scholar Awards students, 12 Scholar with Honor Awards students, and 19 Scholar with Distinction Award students

 

Drop/Add Policy    

• During first quarter only, a student may drop an Advanced Placement® course without penalty within a two week period.
• If a student drops an Advanced Placement® course after the two week deadline, a WP or WF will be added to their official transcript if they transfer into another same subject class.  All changes after the two week deadline must be approved byt the AP Coordinator and the the support of the AP teacher.  The student’s current Advanced Placement grade will then transfer into the course substituted for Advanced Placement®. All work missed is expected to be completed. If the course is dropped after the two week deadline and the student selects a different subject class, an F will appear on the transcript.  If a student drops at the 1st quarter or 3rd quarter grading period, an F will appear on the transcript and credit will not be awarded in the new class. 
• If a student drops a year long Advanced Placement® course at semester, the Advanced Placement® designation will be withdrawn and their official transcript will include their grade and its appropriate weight alongside an Honors course title. 

 

Students and parents are encouraged to explore the Advanced Placement® exam score needed for credit at a variety of colleges and universities at the following URL:

 

http://apps.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp

 

CHS AP Results