Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) & Advanced Placement (AP) Program

John Paul II High School is a college preparatory high school. All curricula and classes will prepare students to matriculate to four-year universities, whether public or private. For the more advanced student, who is willing to perform at a more demanding level and pace, or who is able to handle college level work in high school, we will offer two additional levels of courses - Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP). Pre-AP courses prepare students for matriculation into the AP courses. While there are exceptions to this rule, most pre-AP courses are 9th and 10th grades while AP courses are traditionally 11th and 12th grades.

Both types of classes will earn weighted grade points higher than the standard college preparatory classes. The Advanced Placement (AP) Program offers students the opportunity to pursue college-level studies while still in high school and potentially earn college credit. In comparison to traditional course work, AP courses take a more challenging approach and demand a higher level of performance by high school students. The College Board administers the Advanced Placement exams every May in each subject. By earning the score designated by individual universities, a student can earn college credit, therefore, saving both time and money during post-secondary studies. AP courses challenge students and ease the transition to college. John Paul II High School offers multiple Pre-AP and AP courses. Additionally, our pre-AP and AP teachers are some of the best in the business. Many of the AP teachers are presenters for the College Board in their fields and/or readers of AP tests and essays in the spring.

We encourage all students to consider participation in one or more of these academically challenging courses. There are set guidelines and requirements for enrollment in these courses including previous academic performance, successful completion of designated pre requisite courses, ISEE and standardized test scores, and instructor recommendations. Honors courses in Foreign Language and in the Performing and Creative Arts are determined through auditions, reviewed work, and accomplishments in prior classes. Students will be invited to participate by the individual instructor. After entering, students must maintain a passing average to remain in Pre-AP or AP courses.

Interested parents should contact our counselors; Paul Philp, Director of Curriculum, or the respective department heads of each department for additional information.