Advanced Placement (AP)

As an Advanced Placement (AP) student, you are taking part in the most widely accepted college-level academic program available to high school students. AP gives students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in high school. AP provides students with an opportunity for learning that goes beyond just facts and figures. The rich course materials, classroom discussions and demanding assignments typical of AP courses will help students develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills expected of college students.  

AP courses make substantial academic demands on students. Students are required to do considerable outside reading and other assignments and to demonstrate the analytical skills and writing abilities expected of first-year students in strong college programs. Because students may receive college credit for their AP grades, the related AP courses and exams must be demonstrably equivalent to the standards of a strong college course. 

AP courses may often provide a chance to earn college credits and fulfill college requirements before a student begins their first year of college.  Please check the acceptable scores and equivalency hours at the university your child plans to attend.

Based on student demand and teacher availability, PHS will be offering the AP exams listed below for the 2023-2024 school year: 

• 2-D Art and Design
• Biology
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• Chinese Language and Culture
• Computer Science Principles
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
• Environmental Science
• European History
• Human Geography
• Music Theory 
• Physics 1: Algebra Based
• PreCalculus
• Psychology
• Spanish Language and Culture
• Statistics
• United States Government and Politics
• United States History