Carolina Forest High School has a wide selection of classes for the mass population of students on campus. We are fortunate enough to offer a myriad of Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The students who take these classes are held to higher expectations. When taking an AP class, the final grades will be weighed ten points higher on your GPA.
For example, if the student passes with an 89 average, the weighted value will be a 99 GPA wise. As well as receiving a GPA booster, there is also an opportunity to earn college credit if the exam at the end of year is passed. With all this information laid out, what AP classes does CF have to offer?
The AP classes at CF are immense with 20 different offerings. The teachers put in much planning and dedication throughout both semesters.
English: AP Language/AP Capstone Seminar- Morgan Bane; AP Capstone Research- Toni McDowell; AP Literature- Kay Sellers
Math: AP Calc (AB)- Greg Williams and Greg Bryson; AP Calc (BC)- Greg Williams; AP Statistics- Kristen Kilheeny
“I really loved the concept of teaching real world math to students in class, so when the opening for AP Statistics, I was all for it! I enjoy teaching my students and the material itself,” Kilheeny exclaims.
Science: AP Environmental Science- Delanie Lewis; AP Biology- Allison Prol; AP Chemistry/ AP Physics- David English
David English shared his perspective on students taking AP classes.
“For students who plan on majoring in a specific discipline in college, taking AP courses outside of that planned major could satisfy general college requirements while in high school.”
Social Studies: AP Psychology- Tracy Todd; AP Human Geography- Brogan Will; AP European History- Justin Foxworth; AP US History- Tony Wagner
AP US Government and Politics- JJ Iagulli teaches students about the government of the United States and its history while also participating in “We The People,” showing a deeper understanding of the problem and solution paired with research aspects to challenge students.
AP Microeconomics- Toni McDowell teaches students the world of economics on a micro level and is also involved in “The Stock Market Game,” showing students a real life example of how microeconomics can affect themselves and the economy.
Drayton Kelley, a sophomore currently taking AP Euro, shares, “I feel that AP classes are cool opportunities and help me prepare for college.”
Language: AP Spanish- Tracy Stroud
Art: AP Music Theory- Matt Ward; AP Art History- Abigail Dew; AP Drawing- Kristen Dutka; AP Studio Art 3D Design; Thomas Mendenhall; AP Digital Art- Kristen Dutka
The educational opportunities offered to students at CF is endless. Taking APs will not only benefit the students’ high school academic GPA but also prepare them for the future, such as the expectations in a college setting or how the workload might be.
Junior Madison Marion enlightened how many APs she has actually taken. In her third year of high school, she has completely or is currently taking six AP classes. What is her reason, though?
According to Marion, “I like taking AP courses because they allow me to get some college credits done early and save money for college as well!”
Being a student that takes AP classes embraces hard work and dedication. The classes aren’t easy. Speaking from experience as a senior in high school who has taken AP since my freshman year, it is a challenge. However, the rewards and gratification felt after receiving that AP score and seeing the GPA boost, gives a feeling of accomplishment. Yes, there is a huge commitment to taking these college level courses, but the benefits from them can help your future career.
Picture Credit: Google
