Advanced Academics: Advanced Placement

The benefits of taking AP courses while in high school include:

• Getting a head start on college-level work.

• Improving critical thinking and writing skills.

• Developing the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework.

• Personalizing learning by studying subjects of interest in greater depth and detail.

• Saving money by earning college credit in high school.

See more information from the College Board about the Benefits of AP

Advanced Placement (AP) courses in LISD are open to all students with the prerequisite coursework who wish to take on the additional challenge of advanced academics.  Certain AP courses do have prerequisites. For example, students taking AP Physics 1 should have completed geometry and be taking Algebra 2 or an equivalent course. 

Often, students don’t believe that they’re “ready” for AP.  But the truth is that many students have the ability and motivation to succeed in AP courses, if they give themselves a chance. Students do need solid academic preparation and, of course, the commitment to meet the challenge head on. Parents can build students’ confidence by reminding them that they already show that determination when they do the things that matter to them in areas such as sports, music, or school subjects they’re passionate about. That commitment, creativity and curiosity can make all the difference in AP courses. 

Campus course offerings depend on student interest, campus scheduling considerations, and available staffing. Options will vary on each campus, but in general, the following AP courses are offered.  See your campus counselor for offerings and campus-specific scheduling considerations.  

Arts:

• AP 2-D Art and Design
• AP 3-D Art and Design
• AP Art History
• AP Drawing
• AP Music Theory

English:

• AP English Language
• AP English Literature

History and Social Sciences:

• AP Comparative Government and Politics
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Psychology
• AP U.S. Government & Politics
• AP U.S. History
• AP World History

Math and Computer Science:

• AP Computer Science A
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Precalculus
• AP Statistics

Sciences:

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics 2
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physics C: Mechanics 

World Languages and Cultures:

• AP French Language and Culture
• AP German
• AP Japanese (TCHS only)
• AP Latin
• AP Spanish Language
• AP Spanish Literature

Several AP courses in English and Social Studies are often offered online through the LISD Virtual Learning Academy throughout the school year.  Not every course may be available in each term.  See the LISD VLA website for additional information about course offerings, terms, and procedures for online learning experiences in LISD.

High school AP courses are Level 3 courses and are calculated in GPA with a 1.2multiplier.  AP Spanish 4 taken by middle school students WILL figure into a student’s high school GPA.

Each university sets their own policy for awarding course credit.  For the most accurate information, search the  AP credit policy for your university.