Advanced Placement Classes

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Advanced Placement Classes

West Ottawa High School offers 21 Advanced Placement, “AP” courses. These classes are designed for students who wish to elevate the rigor of their high school experience. These courses use a challenging and nationally aligned college curriculum and textbook for instruction.

Extensive reading, writing, and independent thought are expectations of these accelerated courses. These academic skills will be refined and improved throughout the class. These classes prepare students to take advanced placement exams in May. Colleges and universities issue credit based on exam scores.

The rationale for taking Advanced Placement courses:

1. Gain the edge in college preparation

Get a head start on college level work
Improve writing skills and sharpen problem solving techniques
Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work

2. Stand out in the college admissions process

Demonstrate maturity and readiness for college
Show willingness to be pushed to the limit
Emphasize commitment to academic excellence

3. Broaden intellectual horizons

Explore the world from a variety of perspectives
Study subjects in greater depth and detail
Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding self

It is recommended that students have a 3.0 overall GPA prior to enrolling in AP courses as an indicator of readiness for this level of challenge. If a student wishes to take an AP class and does not yet have a 3.0 GPA, it is recommended that they confer with the course instructor.

AP Courses at West Ottawa:

Computer Science A (JAVA)

Computer Science Principles

English Language

English Literature

Environmental Science

French

Human Geography