Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement Art offers the highly motivated student an opportunity to receive college credit, as well as produce a portfolio of high-quality artwork. AP Art is offered in three areas: Drawing & Painting, 2D Design (photography and computer art), and 3D art (sculpture, ceramics, jewelry). Students interested in any of these areas should sign up for AP Art and will then work with the instructor who is most qualified in their specialty to create a portfolio in one of those areas.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $40, $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Advanced Placement Art offers the highly motivated student an opportunity to receive college credit, as well as produce a portfolio of high-quality artwork. AP Art is offered in three areas: Drawing & Painting, 2D Design (photography and computer art), and 3D art (sculpture, ceramics, jewelry). Students interested in any of these areas should sign up for AP Art and will then work with the instructor who is most qualified in their specialty to create a portfolio in one of those areas.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $40, $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in FINE ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is intended to immerse students in the environment of a laboratory-based, college-level introductory Biology class. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetic information transfer, ecology, and interactions. AP Biology follows the scope and sequence prescribed by the College Board and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Biology Exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): PSYCHOLOGY & HUMAN WELLNESS; LIFE SCIENCE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): CRIMINAL JUSTICE; MEDICAL SCIENCE; SPORTS PERFORMANCE

Calculus AB is a college level class that provides students with an academic experience equivalent to first semester college calculus. Students may earn college credit by passing the AP Calculus AB exam, which is administered annually. Calculus AB emphasizes the theory of elementary functions, differential and integral calculus functions of the variable. Topics include various types of functions, limits, continuity, the derivative with its application, and the integral with its applications. Students are required to purchase online access to the book.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Integrated Math V or AP Pre-Calculus or ACC College Algebra & ACC College Trig
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in MATH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION; APPLIED MATHEMATICS; ENGINEERING-CAD; ENGINEERING-ROBOTICS; APPLIED PHYSICS

Calculus BC is a college level class that provides students with an academic experience equivalent to the second semester of college calculus. Students may earn college credit by passing the AP Calculus BC exam, which is administered annually. AP Calculus BC emphasizes limits, differential and integral calculus, infinite series and elementary differential equations, and applications. Students are required to purchase online access to the book.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in MATH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): APPLIED MATHEMATICS

This course is designed to be equivalent to the general chemistry science course taken during the first year of college. The class will emphasize chemical calculations, mathematical formulation of chemical principles, and in-depth lab experiments and analysis. AP Chemistry follows the scope and content prescribed by the College Board and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Chemistry & Math IV/Algebra II
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION (can also be fulfilled with AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE or AP PHYSICS); ENGINEERING-CAD (can also be fulfilled with AP PHYSICS)

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): CRIMINAL JUSTICE; SPORTS PERFORMANCE

What you will do: Get college credit for a challenging course in Java that includes some cool projects and classic algorithms.

AP Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in Computer Science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. Students will be prepared to take the AP Computer Science A exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: CTE Coding I or ACC CSC 1019
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): COMPUTER SCIENCE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ENGINEERING-CAD; ENGINEERING-ROBOTICS

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. 

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 9-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): COMPUTER SCIENCE

This accelerated, college-level course prepares students for the AP Language and Composition exam through reading and analysis of nonfiction essays in addition to polishing critical thinking and writing skills. Because students who pass the AP exam may earn college credit, the degree of difficulty is high. Students should be demonstrating consistent years of proficiency in reading and writing. Students will be required to complete a summer reading assignment and get a recommendation from the most recent English teacher. Qualities of AP include a mature perspective (global and historical), an analytical voice, a flow to the writing and organizational structure, and correctness in grammar.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in ENGLISH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): FILM AND DIGITAL MEDIA; ACADEMIC DISTINCTION; ENGLISH LITERATURE; POLITICAL SCIENCE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): BUSINESS; ENTREPRENEURSHIP; ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; PRINT MEDIA; SERVICE LEADERSHIP

AP English Literature and Composition is a college-level class that provides students with an academic experience equivalent to a freshman/sophomore college survey class of English Literature. Students successfully mastering the course material may earn college credit by passing the AP English Literature Exam, which is administered annually. Students should be demonstrating consistent years of proficiency in reading and writing. 

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook and/or Novels

Meets Requirements in ENGLISH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ENGLISH LITERATURE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles necessary to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Through inquiry-based laboratory and field investigations, students will analyze environmental problems. The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates topics from biology, geology, chemistry, physics and geography, focusing on key themes such as sustainability, energy transfer, earth systems, human impact, and pollution. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand the complexity of both natural and human-made environmental issues. This course follows the College Board curriculum and is designed to prepare students for the AP Environmental Science Exam.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry (enrolled or completed)
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook
• Students must be able to provide own transportation to off-campus field studies

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION (can also be fulfilled with AP CHEMISTRY or AP PHYSICS); ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

This course, taught entirely in French, prepares students for the AP exam through intensive practice in advanced conversation, writing, and grammar. Students engage with authentic texts and cultural themes, refining their ability to communicate in various contexts. The course focuses on developing advanced proficiency in both spoken and written French.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Passing grade in French IV or “A” in French III
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit. 

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

The AP German Language course has been designed to prepare students for the AP Exam. The course is designed around the 6 themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Beauty and Aesthetics, and Families and Communities. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways that are focused on Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational modes of communication. This course is conducted almost entirely in German and students are expected to communicate in German.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: German III
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

AP Human Geography is a college prep course that provides students with an academic experience equivalent to a college level freshman course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 9
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

AP Macroeconomics is a course designed to provide students with an academic experience in a college level course. The purpose of an AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Particular emphasis is placed upon the study of national income and price-level determination, economic performance measures, stabilization policies, the financial sector, economic growth, and international economics.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in ECONOMICS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): BUSINESS; ENTREPRENEURSHIP; MARKETING; ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; POLITICAL SCIENCE; SOCIAL SCIENCES

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra II or Math IV
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed to be equivalent to the first semester college physics course offered to science majors. The class will emphasize the motion of particles, forces, work, energy, collisions, rotation, rolling, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, and oscillations. AP Physics C follows the scope and sequence prescribed by the College Board and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Physics C Exam in Mechanics.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB and Physics
• Fees: $198 AP Exams; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SCIENCE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION (can also be fulfilled with AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE or AP CHEMISTRY); ENGINEERING-CAD (can also be fulfilled with AP CHEMISTRY); ENGINEERING-ROBOTICS (can also be fulfilled with PHYSICS); APPLIED PHYSICS

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ENGINEERING-ARCHITECTURE

In AP Precalculus, students explore everyday situations and phenomena using mathematical tools and lenses. Through regular practice, students build deep mastery of modeling and functions, and they examine scenarios through multiple representations. They will learn how to observe, explore, and build mathematical meaning from dynamic systems, an important practice for thriving in an ever-changing world.  The framework delineates content and skills common to college precalculus courses that are foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Topics include: Polynomial and Rational Functions; Exponential and Logarithmic Functions; Trigonometric and Polar Functions; Functions Involving Parameters, Vectors, and Matrices.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Algebra II or Integrated Math IV
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in MATH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION; APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ENGINEERING-ARCHITECTURE; ENGINEERING-CAD; ENGINEERING-ROBOTICS; GAME DESIGN; APPLIED PHYSICS

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): PSYCHOLOGY & HUMAN WELLNESS; CRIMINAL JUSTICE (can also be fulfilled with PSYCHOLOGY)

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): BUSINESS; ENTREPRENEURSHIP; MARKETING; GLOBAL IMPACT

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 12
• Prerequisite: AP Seminar
• Fees: $146 AP Exam Fee

Meets Requirements in ELECTIVE.  May be taken only once for credit.

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
This year-long, accelerated course includes much of the literature, vocabulary study, and writing experiences of English II, but at an accelerated level (reading assignments, homework, and complexity of writing will be augmented). This course is intended for students capable of a challenging curriculum and provides a strong foundation for subsequent Advanced Placement English classes. In addition, the study of grammar, usage, and mechanics will be integrated with the students' writing. In addition to the increased homework load, students will be expected to complete a summer reading component. 

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10
• Prerequisite: English I Honors or English I with Teacher Recommendation
• Fees: $146 AP Exam Fee

Meets Requirements in ENGLISH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; ENGLISH LITERATURE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): BUSINESS; ENTREPRENEURSHIP; SERVICE LEADERSHIP; CERAMICS; DRAWING AND PAINTING; GRAPHIC DESIGN; JEWELRY; PHOTOGRAPHY; SCULPTURE

Advanced Placement language classes offer the students a weighted credit. Students continue building their fluency in the language through oral, written, listening, and reading practice. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish for both the students and the teacher.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Spanish IV with a "C" or better OR Teacher Recommendation
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in PRACTICAL ARTS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

Advanced Placement Spanish Literature classes offer students the equivalent of a third-year college introduction to literature in Spanish covering selected works from various Spanish-speaking authors. These courses offer students a weighted credit. Students learn to critically analyze the form and content of literary works (including poetry) orally and in writing using appropriate terminology. These courses are designed to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement Literature exam, which is given in May. Students generally reach language proficiency, which is equivalent to that of college students who have completed a fifth or sixth semester of Spanish in composition, conversation and grammar.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and Culture with a "C" or better OR Teacher Recommendation
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in ELECTIVE.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to five conceptual themes: exploring data. planning a study, probability models and simulation, statistical inference, and linear regression. Students may earn college credit by passing the AP Statistics exam, which is administered annually. Students are required to rent or purchase the book.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Integrated Math V or Algebra II
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in MATH.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): COMPUTER SCIENCE; LIFE SCIENCE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): BUSINESS; ENTREPRENEURSHIP; MARKETING; ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; ACADEMIC DISTINCTION; APPLIED MATHEMATICS; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE; MEDICAL SCIENCE

This course provides students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It involves the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. This is a college level course with potential for college credit, thus extensive college level reading and writing is required. Students will take the Advanced Placement Test at the end of the year.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in 0.5 GOVERNMENT 0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION (can also be fulfilled with AP US HISTORY); POLITICAL SCIENCE; SOCIAL SCIENCES; EMA, MILITARY, AND FIRE SCIENCE

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; SERVICE LEADERSHIP; CRIMINAL JUSTICE; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in US History. The course exposes students to a college level academic experience in the major cultural, social, political, economic, and historical issues found in US History from 1492 to present. Students successfully mastering the course material may earn college credit on the AP US History exam, which is administered annually. Because this AP course is a college level elective, students will be asked to purchase their materials in accordance with Douglas County Board of Education policy.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

Required in the following Pathway(s): ACADEMIC DISTINCTION (can also be fulfilled with AP US GOVERNMENT)

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; POLITICAL SCIENCE

This class focuses primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience. Students analyze interaction among major societies, change and continuity across the world, the impact of technology and demography, social and gender structures, cultural and intellectual developments and changes in states. This class will involve a much heavier outside reading and homework load than previous social studies classes so that students will be prepared to take the AP World History exam in May. There may be summer reading for Fall classes.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; SOCIAL SCIENCES