Advanced Placement Classes

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:

Art History

Biology

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Chemistry

Computer Science A (JAVA)

English Language

English Literature

Environmental Science

French

Human Geography

Macroeconomics

Microeconomics

Physics

Psychology

Spanish

Statistics

Studio Art

U.S.Government

U.S.History

World History

For more information about the classes, exams, practice tests and more, please visit apcentral.collegeboard.com