Advanced Placement (AP) courses and curricular standards are created and certified by the College Board in consultations with college-level educators in that field of study. AP courses allow academically prepared students to complete college-level studies during their high school years. High school courses designated as AP must be audited and approved by the College Board. The Saint Paul CEEB code is 220059.
AP courses are highly rigorous classes designed for academically outstanding college-bound students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of ability and motivation. AP courses cover a collegiate-level depth and breadth of curricular material, with the expectation for student readiness to engage independent learning at the level of an undergraduate. AP courses demand a significant investment of additional hours of independent study, including the completion of pre-course summer assignments. Due to the intensity of AP work, Saint Paul students are advised to enroll in no more than three AP classes per academic year.
An Advanced Placement class culminates in a national exam administered by the College Board. All Saint Paul students registered for an AP course must take the AP administered national exam in fulfilling the course requirements. Scores on the exam may qualify students for college credit or advanced standing as determined by the colleges. There is an additional fee for each AP exam, which is paid by the student's family. Also, additional fees for AP classes may apply.
Given the highly selective nature of AP courses, there is an application and approval process for Saint Paul students seeking AP course registration. All Saint Paul AP courses are subject to scheduling availability and student enrollment. Please contact the School Counseling Office for registration details.
More information on the content and expectations for any AP courses can be found online at the College Board Website: College Board Courses
As with all Saint Paul course offerings, including AP, course availability is dependent upon several factors such as total student enrollment, course registrations, student interest, staffing needs, academic prerequisites, and master scheduling.