ACS Athens' Advanced Placement Program
Since 1955, the Advanced Placement (AP) program has been 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 may earn university credit (AP credit policy). The design, delivery, and assessment in these courses offer a unique learning experience as they enable students to gain a 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 may 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 by 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.
Please refer to the ACS Athens Program of Studies found here for a complete list of the AP courses offered.
Courses run for one year, at the end of which students sit for external standardized tests provided by the College Board and administered by the licensed school. An additional fee is applied for the external test, 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, allows the students to design their own unique program that 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; therefore, it 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 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 by 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