Advanced Placement (AP)
Welcome to the Advanced Placement (AP) Program
at Casteel High School
Casteel High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes in various academic areas. The Advanced Placement (AP) is a cooperative program between secondary schools and colleges/universities. Students take classes using college level materials and have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned, possibly earning college credit or advanced placement if they meet the exam standards by the specific university (Click here to search for college credit policies). Recommendations are the best indicators of your ability. Each AP class generally requires four to seven hours of outside work each week. Benefits of AP classes are many, including:
AP prepares you for college work. You may improve your chances of getting an academic scholarship. A qualifying grade on an AP exam can translate into financial savings on some college course credits. You may be able to complete college in a shorter time frame. More than 1400 colleges in the U.S. grant a full year’s credit to students who present satisfactory grades on AP exams.
Who should take AP classes?
The requirement is that you should be "willing and able". In general, past academic record and standardized test scores along with teacher recommendations are the best indicators of your ability. Each AP class generally requires four to seven hours of outside work each week. Benefits of AP classes are many, including:
- preparation for college work
- improved chances to receive an academic scholarship
- college credits
- reduced tuition
- complete college in a shorter time frame
For more information regarding AP, please contact Casteel's AP Coordinator:
Mrs. French's Office at 480-424-8123 or email Mrs. Ashley French.
AP Course Offerings
Click the image to download our course offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What’s the difference between AP and Dual Enrollment?
- My student wants to take an AP test for a class that he didn’t take. Is this allowed?
- My child is taking five different tests – is there financial aid available?
What’s the difference between AP and Dual Enrollment?
My student wants to take an AP test for a class that he didn’t take. Is this allowed?
My child is taking five different tests – is there financial aid available?
AP Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can be a good way to earn some college credit for work done in high school.
- Nationally recognized.
- Most schools, public and private, in and out of state, will grant some college credit for earned scores of 3-5 on the AP exam.
- The courses will not show on a college transcript until you request credit be applied from College Board and it will not affect financial aid.
- Selective schools like to see AP classes on students' transcripts due to their rigorous nature and nationally-known standards.
Cons
- You must earn a 3-5 on the AP exam at the end of the year to be considered for college credit.
- You should make sure you are ready for the rigor of an AP class so your GPA isn't adversely affected. You should have e B+ or better in regular classes to consider an AP class.