Curriculum and Instruction
The High School Program (Grades 9-12)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSE OPPORTUNTIES

Advanced Placement is a College Board program that offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses while they are enrolled in high school. Students have the opportunity to learn a subject in greater depth, develop analytical reasoning skills, and develop study skills necessary for success at the college level.

All high schools in Virginia Beach City Public Schools participate in the Advanced Placement program. Students and parents may contact the guidance department of the respective high schools to obtain additional information and a list of the AP courses that are offered. Parents are strongly encouraged to assist their student with AP course selections.

AP teachers are available to answer course content and requirement questions. The College Board also publishes a booklet Advanced Placement Course Description for each course. This booklet describes the content of the AP course and provides sample examination questions. Additional information is available at www.collegeboard.org.

Students may gain advanced standing and/or earn college credit through their performance on the Advanced Placement examinations that are given each year in May. Students registering for AP courses should review their selections with the guidance counselor to be sure high school credit will be awarded. A limited number of AP courses serve as replacements for high school courses; therefore, credit would not be given for both.

All AP examinations (except Studio Art and Music Theory) contain both multiple choice and free response questions that require essay writing, problem solving, and other skills. In Studio Art, students submit portfolios of their work instead of taking an exam. In Music Theory, a competency examination in music theory is given.

In administering the AP program, the following guidelines have been established:

1. Any student should be afforded the opportunity to take an AP class without having to make application.
   
2. Students should be given the opportunity to take an AP class through independent study in the following situations:
   
   1. The class is not offered in their home school.
      
   2. The class is not available because of scheduling conflicts with other AP courses in the school.
      
   3. Regulations regarding the adding and dropping of classes are followed.
      
3. Students taking an AP course through any approved arrangement and under the supervision of a qualified teacher should receive weighted credit.
   
4. No limit should be established regarding the number of AP courses a student can take at any one time. The normal maximum number of credits to be earned in one school year is six. Under special circumstances, a student may earn more than six credits. Requests for special consideration should be discussed with the guidance counselor.
   
5. Students receiving a grade below a "C" at the end of the first nine weeks or semester may move to a lower level course in the same subject area, where such courses are available, without penalty.
   
6. Students should not be required to take the AP test.
   
7. Funds will be made available to qualified students enrolled in an AP course who wish to take the AP examination and need financial assistance with the examination fee.

Note: Students are responsible for verifying granting of college credits for successful completion of any course with the colleges or university they choose to attend.

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