Advanced Placement (AP)
AP Enrollment Guidelines at Upper School
Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students the opportunity to take college-level coursework in high school and potentially earn college credit by taking an Advanced Placement exam at the conclusion of the course. These courses are rigorous and fast-paced. Before enrolling in an AP course, students and parents should make sure they understand the quantity and quality of work that is required for each course.
When making decisions about taking AP courses, students should consider:
- How do you work independently?
- How will you manage the expectations of AP courses?
- How diligently are you willing to work to be successful in the course?
- Speak to the teacher of the course - what are the specific expectations of that teacher/course?
- What kinds of support do you feel you need to be successful in an AP course (i.e. tutoring, writing preparation, reading preparation, study skills)?
- How will you develop that support?
- What is your understanding of the significance of the AP exam at the end of the year?
- How will you benefit from studying for the exam and striving to do your best?
Students enrolled in AP @ Lab:
- Are expected to take the AP exam.
- Engage in the content and challenge themselves academically.
- Advocate for themselves.
#1 - Monday, January 24th @ 7PM (ZOOM) - Registration Required
#2 - Saturday, February 5th @ 9AM (ZOOM) - Registration Required
Interested in Advanced Placement Courses? What are they? Why Should You Take Them? Join us for this session! Beginning spring 2022, students interested in enrolling in an AP course for the 22-23 school year will be required to attend one interest session prior to registering for the upcoming academic year, even if they have already taken an AP course.
Once enrolled, students may not drop AP courses.
What is the perceived workload for the AP course that I am interested in taking? Click Here
What are the most popular courses per grade level? (Suggestions per the College Board)
| Freshmen Year | AP Human Geography |
| Sophomore Year | AP World History, AP European History, AP Seminar, AP Computer Science Principles, AP World Languages |
| Junior Year | EP English Language & Composition, AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Biology or AP Physics 1, AP Seminar or AP Research, AP Computer Science Principles, AP World Languages, AP Art and Design Courses |
| Senior Year | AP English Literature and Composition, AP US Government and Politics, AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics, AP Psychology, AP Research, AP Computer Science or AP Computer Science A, AP World Language Courses, AP Art and Design Courses |
LAB AP Registration Guidance
Rising 9th graders
- may register for up to ONE AP course total*
- can select from AP courses listed on the 9th grade registration card**
Rising 10th graders
- may register for up to TWO AP courses total*
- can select from AP courses listed on the 10th grade registration card**
Rising 11th and 12th graders
- are not limited in the number of AP courses allowed.
- are advised to consider the entirety of their schedule when determining what courses are appropriate for the next school year.
*Students whose next sequential core classes include more than the maximum AP limit for their grade level may take those core AP classes but may not take any additional elective AP courses.
**Beginning Fall 2022, only 11th and 12th grade students will be permitted to enroll in NCVPS AP courses, unless the student has shown prior mastery in virtual learning and permission is granted by the Head of School.
***Students whose next sequential core course is an AP course may enroll in this course if it is not on their card. Please note this during the registration process and the admin will make necessary scheduling adjustments during your registration appointment.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Stitt, AP Coordinator, at [email protected]