In the realm of high school academics, Advanced Placement (AP) classes have long stood as “pillars of academic excellence”, often touted as essential for securing a coveted spot in university admissions. And with the AP curriculum in the national news this past year, as many are seeing, things aren’t all that they’re cracked up to be! While the value of AP classes remains undeniable, their role within the context of private schools is evolving. In this article, we take a peek at the nuances of AP classes and their changing landscape within the independent school world.

Who Should Take AP Classes?

This is one of the questions we always get asked. “Should my student be taking AP classes? Are they ready for them?” Typically, most people believe that AP classes should be reserved for high performing high school students. This is still somewhat true, but there’s more to it. For example, just because a student could take an AP class in a certain subject area doesn’t mean they have to or or even should.

AP classes offer an accelerated, enriching curriculum that can ignite a student's curiosity and passion for a particular subject. However, they also demand considerable dedication and effort. Students contemplating multiple AP classes must assess the workload and ensure it aligns with their extracurricular commitments.

AP classes are enriching for students who not only might excel in a certain area, but are genuinely interested in the subject.

These classes are rigorous and can be a lot to take on! If your student is eligible to take more than one AP class, make sure they know the amount of work involved in each course so that they can decide if taking on two high level classes (or more!) in the same semester is going to be sustainable on top of any other extracurricular activities.

Does Your Private School Have AP Classes?

Private schools aim to offer AP classes because of how much they can increase the school’s academic reputation. Private schools that offer AP classes can also attract students who are high performing and are looking for an academic challenge.

But here’s my “real talk” for the week! The importance of AP courses on high school transcripts has dwindled for college admissions officers. In fact, even for students who have strong AP exam scores (4’s or 5’s), many colleges will require that an enrolling student take their own placement exam and they will not accept the AP exam scores. The real talk is that colleges prioritize whether applicants have tackled their high school's most challenging courses, making the AP label perhaps insignificant. Many colleges recognize the strength of a school’s curriculum and programming, and seek students who demonstrate their passion for learning through these challenging courses.

Should I Worry that a Private School Doesn’t Offer AP Classes?

Nope! My best advice is to not even give it a second thought! Colleges are seeking diligent, capable students, yet the emphasis on AP courses pushes students away from potentially enriching, intellectually stimulating alternatives. The pressure to cover AP test material comprises deep inquiry in favor of breadth. When students get to college, they need to be prepared to handle critical thinking in their courses, something that is sacrificed due to the AP curriculum’s mandated focus on required content and pace of material. In my conversations with independent schools that have transitioned away from AP courses, I’m always impressed with how it has allowed them to offer creative, challenging and engaging classes that honor students' curiosity and passions!

AP Classes: Not the Sole Measure of Success

While AP classes can undoubtedly provide valuable challenges and preparation for college, they should not overshadow other aspects of a student's academic journey. Excelling in AP courses does not guarantee college acceptance, nor should it dictate the choice between private schools.

It’s easy to get caught up in the impressiveness of AP classes, but they aren’t going to make or break your student’s future! While they can challenge your student and show rigor, there are plenty of students who have attended excellent independent day and boarding schools without ever having taken an AP class and they have gone on to outstanding colleges & universities!

The list of AP courses is ever evolving. While they are a consideration of a high school education, they should be approached with balance in mind. AP classes aren’t helpful if they are not nurturing your student’s intellectual curiosity, helping them to grow and thrive, and preparing them for a life of learning and discovery! Keep encouraging your student to pursue their passions and find an independent school (and beyond!) that will serve those needs as they age up.

If you work in a school setting, what do you think about AP classes?