Advanced Placement Program

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college-level courses and exams that gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit with a strong AP exam score at the conclusion of the class. AP classes will be the most rigorous courses offered at Castle View High School and will receive a weighted grade.

Advantages of Taking AP Course Work

  • AP courses and exams represent the beginning of the journey through college-level academic challenges.
  • Collegiate institutions recognize that applicants with AP experience are much better prepared for the demands of college courses.
  • Tuition savings are realized for students whose AP performance earns them college credit.
  • Earning AP credit allows students to move into upper-level courses in their field of interest by exempting them from required introduction courses. In addition, students have the opportunity of completing their degree early.
  • More than 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 credit varies by score, major and situation.
  • Gaining credit or advanced standing in college can give you time for other interests such as time abroad, extra classes, independent studies and internships.
  • AP students are eligible for honors and other special programs in college.

AP Scholar Awards

Each year, the College Board recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through multiple AP courses and exams. Some of the awards and their requirements are as follows:

  • AP Scholar: Granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams on full-year courses (or the equivalent).
  • AP Scholar with Honor: Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 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 3 or higher on five or more of these exams on full-year courses (or the equivalent).

Source: AP Bulletin for Students and Parents published by the College Board.

The following AP courses are offered at CVHS:

A.P. 2-D Art & Design
A.P. 3-D Art & Design
A.P. Biology
A.P. Calculus AB
A.P. Calculus BC
A.P. Chemistry
A.P. Computer Science A
A.P. Environmental Science
A.P. French Language and Culture
A.P. German Language and Culture
A.P. Human Geography
A.P. English Language and Composition
A.P. English Literature and Composition
A.P. Macroeconomics
A.P. Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
A.P. Physics C: Mechanics
A.P. Psychology
A.P. Research
A.P. Seminar
A.P. Spanish Language and Culture
A.P. Statistics
A.P. United States History
A.P. United States Government and Politics
A.P. World History: Modern

Additional information regarding AP Courses & Testing Schedule