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Advanced Placement (AP)

About Advanced Placement

The AP program was created by the College Board in 1955 to provide students with a pathway to earn college credit while in high school. In Aledo ISD we offer 26 AP courses across all subject areas. AP courses are rigorous, college-level courses that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the College Board standards and skills. Students may earn college credit by taking the AP exam offered each May and scoring a 3 or higher. The benefits of AP coursework include:

  • Getting a head start on college-level work
  • Improving critical thinking skills and writing skills
  • Developing the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework
  • Personalize learning by studying subjects of interest in greater depth and detail
  • Save money and time to college completion by earning college credit in high school

Open Enrollment

Aledo ISD and College Board are committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs. All students who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum should be considered for admission to AP and Advanced courses.

Equity & Access

Aledo ISD and College Board are committed to providing equity and access for all students in rigorous course enrollment. All Pre-AP, AP and OnRamps courses are open enrollment.  We encourage all students who are interested in an AP course subject and are willing to accept the challenge of rigorous coursework to enroll in an AP course.  If a student has not taken advanced coursework before and is interested in trying an AP course, we recommend taking AP Seminar.  This AP course focuses on building skills, such as critical thinking and writing, that will be helpful for students as they move forward with additional AP courses or other college-credit bearing coursework.

AP Courses Offered- Click Course for Course Specifics

AP Seminar                           English Language and Composition                 Physics C: Mechanics

AP Research                         English Literature and Composition                  Spanish Language and Culture

2-D Art and Design               Environmental Science                                      Spanish Literature and Culture

3-D Art and Design               Human Geography                                             Statistics

Biology                                  Macroeconomics                                                U.S. Government & Politics

Calculus AB                            Physics 1                                                             U.S History

Calculus BC                           Physics 2                                                              World History

Chemistry                               Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Computer Science Principles

Computer Science A

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Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) participation offers a unique learning experience with a connection to postsecondary success with special emphasis on:

  • Earning college credit
  • Standing out in the college admission process
  • Expanding intellectual and academic skills

The primary goal of the AP Program is to enrich the secondary school experience of students ready to apply themselves to college-level courses.  The College Board indicates that AP high school courses help students qualify for scholarships, improve skills necessary for college-level work, and effectively compete in the college admissions process.  AP participation promotes college readiness both in academics and maturity.

AP encourages critical and creative thought and fine-tunes analytical skills. AP courses teach students how to manage their time while they learn skills to successfully complete college-level work.  In addition, AP classes emphasize the development of research and independent study skills.  Each AP course concludes with an examination. Students scoring a score of 3 or better can possibly earn college credit.  All students enrolled in AP courses are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam which corresponds with the completed course. 

Additional Facts About Advanced Course/AP Courses

  • Typically offered district wide in grades 6th – 12th
  • Teachers receive specialized training
  • Courses are academically challenging
  • Courses build on critical thinking skills, reading skills, research skills, writing skills, and advanced performance skills (when necessary).

Qualities of a Successful Student Enrolled in Advanced Placement Courses

  • Excellent Attendance
  • Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills
  • Strong Ability to Work Independently
  • Interest and Ability to Grasp Concepts
  • Motivated and Dedicated to School Work

Benefits of Completing Advanced Placement Courses

  • Stand out in college admission process
  • Possibility of earning college credits
  • Better prepared academically for college
  • Earn a higher GPA
College Board Website and AP Credit Search Policy

AP Credit Search Policy

Your AP scores could earn you college credit or advanced placement (meaning you could skip certain courses in college). Use this tool to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores.

First page of the PDF file: AP_Exam_Reg_Steps_Sem_2_2022