Advanced Placement, Honors, & College Dual Credit

If you were unable to make it to the presentation on Dec.6th or if you would like to review the information presented please click here to access the presentation. You can also view the Midwest Colleges: Project Lead the Way Credit Options and the list of AP, Honors and Dual Credit Course offerings at BHS that were handed out at the presentation. If you have any questions you can contact the Division Coordinator.

FAQs

What is AP and what’s the difference between honors/AP courses and regular courses at BHS?

AP is a program offered through College Board.  Students take college-level course work to prepare and possibly earn college credit via an exam. Several characteristics separate regular classes from honors and AP courses. Some of those include pace of course, depth of knowledge, workload, and student ownership of learning.

AP courses are developed by the College Board and are taught by BHS teachers. Students may elect to take an AP test in the spring. The AP exam is an external assessment in which students are given a score of 1 to 5. Students scoring a 3 or higher may be given college credit by their university.

Honors classes are developed by BHS and BPS faculty. These courses are targeted at gifted and talented students. The students in these courses are internally assessed.

For more information, view the Honors/AP Night Presentation on Dec. 6, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the BHS Cafeteria.  View a current list of Honors/AP courses.

When are AP exams?  

AP Exams are offered in May after students have completed (or are almost finished with) their AP course. For a comprehensive list of tests and times, please visit College Board’s website.  For more information about taking AP exams at Batavia High School, click here.

 

How do I earn college credit?

College credit can be given to students who earn certain scores on the AP Exams. AP Exams earn a score of 1-5 and generally students need a 3, 4, or 5 to earn credit for the corresponding college course. Each college determines which scores they will accept, and for which course they will give the student credit for. Research or contact your colleges to determine which tests they will accept, which score that you need, and what course they will give you credit for. If you are not certain which college you will attend, contact area colleges to get an idea of how colleges would use your AP credits. View this handy list to see some of our top schools.

 

Q: Do honors and AP courses award weighted grades?

Yes. All honors and AP courses add an extra GPA point. Student GPA will be capped at a benchmark of 4.375. This means that any student with a 4.375 GPA will be awarded “highest honors” and will be #1 in their class. To achieve this benchmark, students need to average 3 honors/AP courses per year and earn a grade of A in every course. Please see the chart below with graduation honors details.

Class of 2014 and Beyond
Highest Honors  4.375 
High Honors  4.0
Honors  3.5

Q: Should my child take an AP/honors course and if so, how many?

This is a question that you and your child need consider carefully.  It is important to consider factors such as outside commitments (athletics, volunteering. family obligations, etc.) and student strengths. Parents can use prior course performance, work ethic, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing as pieces of evidence to use when making the decision.

Q: Can my child drop an honors/AP course if the course is difficult?

No. Because of the school’s commitment to offer these courses to as many students as possible, students also need to make the commitment to remain in courses after the school year begins. The school is committed to providing support for students who find the course difficult. Course requests for the upcoming school year can be changed until March 15.

Q: Does my child need to complete an application for an honors or AP course?

No. Students are welcome to request courses as long as the prerequisite is met.

Q: Will my child have a balanced schedule so their honors classes are not in the same semester?

We try our very best to balance student schedules. If, during the summer, you notice that your child has an unbalanced schedule, please contact us and we will attempt to adjust their schedule.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions about your child specifically, please contact their current teacher or their guidance counselor. If you have questions about the courses themselves, please contact the House Assistant Principal or Mr. Bob Dietz, Associate Principal for Academics.