Advanced Placement Program
Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer rigorous, college-level content taught by highly- qualified William Tennent teachers. Students may earn college credit at participating colleges and universities by achieving a designated score on the AP exam. (Check with the individual colleges regarding their policies for awarding credit). Students recommended for Honors and AP level courses should have an A average in the same subject in their current Academic level course or an A or B in their current Honors level course.
William Tennent High School is one of approximately 1,800 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone Diploma program ― an innovative program that allows students to develop the skills that matter most for college success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program consists of two courses taken in sequence: AP Seminar and AP Research. Students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (but not on four additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
It is strongly suggested that all students in the Advanced Placement classes take the Advanced Placement examinations administered in May by the College Board. Research has shown that students who successfully complete their AP courses and take the AP exams are more likely to be successful at the college level. All students scheduled for an AP course are REQUIRED to complete the summer assignment prior to the first day of school. Each student must meet with his or her current teacher to acquire permission for entry into an AP course. These students will be given an Advanced Placement Course Request Form with parent information that explains the course expectations and acknowledges parental support for student registration. Students will not be registered for the AP course until the form is returned with student and parent signatures.
**Students may not drop AP courses after March 1, 2022 without permission from their house principal. No AP courses will be dropped once summer starts.
The AP exam costs approximately $90. There are special provisions for students with a verified financial hardship. Students requiring this support should speak to their guidance counselor.
AP grades are based on mastering course content and on meeting national standards. Students who succeed in AP classes are able to organize their time and materials, complete work independently, perform well on tests, read critically at or above grade level, and speak and write effectively to demonstrate their thoughts and ideas.