ACS Athens' Advanced Placement Program
Since 1955, the Advanced Placement (AP) program is run by The College Board, a non-profit organization. It offers a wide variety of rigorous, analytical and challenging college preparatory courses. Depending on performance, candidates can earn university credit (AP credit policy). The design, delivery and assessment in these courses offers a unique learning experience as it enables students to gain deep understanding of the subject, to develop advanced skills in writing and problem solving and to become actively involved in
the teaching process.
AP courses can help students acquire skills and habits necessary for success in college.
The rigor and advanced level of these courses make the AP program widely accepted to universities and colleges around the world.
The program consists of 38 courses. You may view a very informative documentary film presentation, in which students from around the world share their positive academic experiences from AP courses.
Advanced Placement (AP) @ ACS Athens
Teaching strategies of AP courses at ACS Athens follow the educational philosophy of the school. Student guidance for the selection of AP courses follows our holistic, meaningful and harmonious philosophy in education.
ACS Athens will offer the following AP courses in the academic year 2022 - 2023:
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Spanish
Courses run for one year, at the end of which students take external standardized tests provided by the College Board and administered by the licensed school. There is an additional fee for the external test which is paid by the student upon registration for the exams. The registration process is open to all Academy students as students can take AP examinations without having taken the course.
The short duration of the AP courses compared to those of the IB, allow the students to design their own unique program which best fits their student profile and academic plans. In many instances, such programs have been proven to be more effective and timely for a great number of students. In addition, students who feel confident about their content knowledge of certain subjects or have taken similar IB or ACS Athens courses can approach the AP and IB office to discuss the option of taking the respective AP examinations. This is especially true for science courses (Biology, Chemistry and Physics where the alignment of AP and IB syllabi is substantial). Having taken an AP examination in grades 10 and 11 enhances the student profile and therefore presents an additional qualification for college applications. The College Board strongly discourages grade 9 students from taking AP courses (except for language courses).
Students receive a certificate for each AP course they complete. For scores of 3 or higher in three or more AP exams the College Board may award various AP scholar awards, certificates and awards.
Benefits of the AP program
AP courses can help students acquire skills and habits necessary for success in college. The rigor and advanced level of these courses make the AP program widely accepted to universities and colleges around the world. AP courses may provide students with the following:
- College credit depending on score
- Learning how to write clearly and persuasively
- Improving writing skills
- Sharpening problem-solving abilities
- Developing time – management skills
- Discipline
- College level study habits
- Worldwide recognition