The number of AP courses available to students has significantly increased over the past five years at Cedarcrest High School.
This year, Cedarcrest added AP Statistics, AP US History, AP Studio Art and AP Computer Science. Next year Cedarcrest will add AP English Language and Composition, and AP US Government/Politics. In addition, CHS continues to offer AP Biology, AP Calculus, and AP English Literature and Composition.
AP class offerings have almost doubled, (from 5 to 9 courses offered) at CHS since the 2009 school year.
Created by the College Board, the same entity that offers the SAT exam, these college level courses for juniors and seniors prepare students for the AP Exams and provide an opportunity for in-depth learning which extends far beyond basic facts and figures. Advanced Placement courses are filled with rich material, classroom discussions and demanding assignments, allowing students the opportunity to master critical thinking skills and to feel more confident in their abilities as they enter college.
“The AP offerings give students the opportunity to thrive in a classroom with other students who share their motivation and academic endeavors, and to experience the rigor and challenge of college type courses while still in high school,” CHS Language Arts teacher and AP Coordinator Amy Blooming. “With this, there is the added advantage of earning real college credit by scoring well on the AP exam.”
Blooming expressed how important it is for students and their parents to wisely plan their four-year course schedule to take full advantage of the wide variety of classes offered at Cedarcrest.
The ability for a school to offer AP courses is made possible through the strong support of professional development from the district office, an understanding and supportive principal and motivated educators willing to pursue specific training to teach these challenging academic courses. Cedarcrest Principal, Clarence Lavarias explained, “I believe in and understand the importance and value of the AP and Honors Programs; however, it is vital that I am able to provide for the education of all of our students within the bounds of student interest, needs and resources available.”
Currently, more than 35 percent of Cedarcrest students are actively enrolled in honors classes, and 5 percent in combined honors/AP offerings.
