Advanced Placement (AP)

Durango High School participates in the College Board’s National Advanced Placement Program. Currently, we offer:
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Physics 1
  • AP Biology
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP English Literature and Composition
  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics
  • AP US History
  • AP World History
  • AP Psychology
  • AP Human Geography
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Art History
  • AP Spanish Language and Culture
For overviews of each course please visit the course descriptions. We continue to grow our program based on student requests and the ever changing demands for career and college readiness. 

What is an AP class?

Advanced placement courses are the equivalent of introductory college courses, and each course culminates in a national examination. Students who take an advanced placement course are strongly encouraged to take the AP examination. AP exams are scored on a scale from 1 to 5. “Success” on an AP exam is defined as an exam score of 3 or higher, which is a strong predictor of a student’s ability to do well in college. 

 

Commitment

AP courses may be extremely challenging at first, and initial grades may not reflect later performance, especially if it is a student's first time taking an AP course. Once the drop period has ended, we ask for a year-long commitment. By requesting and AP course, the student and parent acknowledge and agree to our AP Commitment Policies.

 

AP courses are engaging!

Tackle challenging topics head on and go deeper into subjects that interest you. Discuss and debate opinions with your peers and your instructors.

 

Let colleges know you’re serious about your education and ready to be a college student.

Having AP classes on your transcript shows you’re prepared to challenge and apply yourself to higher level studies. AP classes will help you develop the study skills you’ll need to be successful at the college level.

 

Earn college credit while still in high school.

Qualifying scores on the AP exam allow you to skip intro courses in college. Depending on the course, and the college, certain qualifying scores count toward college graduation. This helps save money on college tuition costs and helps you graduate on time and even early!

 

Are AP classes right for you?

Learn more about AP here, where you can watch videos and listen to AP students talk about their experiences.

 

Still have questions?

Talk to the following DHS staff:

  • An AP Teacher
  • Mr. Tarshis, Assistant Principal, AP Coordinator
  • Ms. Medenwaldt, Academic Advisor, SSD Coordinator
Student and teacher in AP Chemistry Class.