The Advanced Placement Program allows high school students the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses.  Students take end of course AP exams that measure their mastery of the college-level curriculum.  Upon demonstration of proficiency on AP exams, students gain the opportunity to receive college credit for the course.  Currently, over 2,600 colleges worldwide grant college credit for AP scores.  Once in college, students with previously earned college credit through AP exams are able to move to upper-level college courses sooner.  Entering college with previously earned credits also grants students the opportunity to double major with greater ease or gain additional time to study and/or travel abroad.

By enrolling in an AP course, students learn rigorous college-level content and academic skills. Taking an AP course is also valued in the college admission process. Colleges rank grades in college-preparatory courses and strength of curriculum as the two most important factors in the admission decision.  Taking an AP course helps students to build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential study skills needed for college success.  National research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP enrolled peers.

AP exams are administered by the schools in May of each academic year.  Exams are typically 2 – 3 hours.  Exams include multiple-choice questions and free-response items such as essays, extended problem solving, document-based questions or an oral response.  A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam can typically earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college.

While AP course enrollment is offered at no cost to the student, the end of course examination fee ranges from $46 - $108. The Huntsville City Schools District grants an AP exam fee reduction or fee elimination for eligible students with financial need.

Huntsville City Schools offers the following AP classes:

• English - Language and Composition, Literature and Composition

• Math - Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Computer Science Principals, Computer Science A, Statistics

• Science - Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C: Electricity and Magentism, Physics C: Mechanics

• Social Sciences - Comparative Government and Politics, European History, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics,
  Psychology, United States Government and Politics, Unites States History, World History

• Arts - Art History, Music Theory, Studio Art 2-D Design, Studio Art 3-D Design, Studio Art Drawing

• World Languages and Culture Language - French Language and Culture, German Language and Culture, Latin, Spanish Language and Culture

• Capstone - Research, Seminar