Advanced Placement (AP) Program
University High School Charter offers 24 Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the school day. We are also one of the first and only schools to offer the AP Capstone program (AP Seminar + AP Research).
Why Take AP Classes?
1. Gain Academic Skills
Taking an AP course and exam advances you academically, teaching you valuable skills that will benefit you in all of your classes and make the transition to college easier. You will improve your writing skills, critical thinking, and time management - all valuable to help you continue be a successful student!
2. Stand Out to College Admission Officers
85% of colleges and universities report a student's AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions. By taking an AP exam, you are showing admissions officers that you are motivated to learn and succeed.
3. Save Time and Money
If you earn a 3 or higher on an AP exam, you can earn college credit or placement. This can save you time and money in college. Earning advanced placement can let you skip introductory courses in college, freeing up more time in your schedule. Check out the credit policies of schools that you are interested in here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can 9th graders take AP courses?
It is not recommended for 9th graders to take AP courses. Only in very rare cases have 9th graders been successful with AP courses. We recommend taking honors classes in the 9th grade and starting AP courses in 10th grade.
2. What are typical AP courses for 10th graders?
Common AP courses that 10th graders enroll in are World History, Computer Science Principles, Biology, and Seminar.
3. Are any of the AP courses tied to a particular grade level?
Most AP courses can be taken any time grades 10th - 12th. However, there are a few AP courses that are part of a certain grade's curriculum.
10th Grade - World History
11th Grade - English Language
12th Grade - English Literature, Government, Economics
4. Do students automatically receive college credit if they passed their AP class?
No, college credit is determined by the student's scores on their AP exam. A 3 or better is considered passing. Different colleges and universities will have their own guidelines stating how many college units a student earns for a particular AP score. You can check out the credit policies of schools that you are interested in here.