Advanced Placement

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Advanced Placement (AP) courses afford a student an opportunity to study in a particular field at a more in-depth and accelerated pace.  A student is encouraged to think creatively and to explore their potential.  AP courses are taught at a pace and style suited to a student who is self-motivated. The student and teacher contribute to a positive learning atmosphere in AP courses where higher thinking skills are developed and stimulating ideas are generated and explored.

While success in an AP course is rewarding in itself, special grade weight is used for these courses taken at Pacelli Catholic High School.  Each semester when a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated, a constant of .04 will be added for each semester’s AP classes taken. For example, if a straight A student, whether taking seven or eight classes each year, takes 5 semesters of AP courses, s/he would have a GPA of 4.20 at the end of senior year (.04 x 5 added to 4.00).  Honors courses are not weighted.

Advanced Placement Exams are offered in May.   A student paid fee is required and registration for the exam is in the fall prior to the exam.   If a student’s exam score meets the requirements of the college or university to which s/he applies, the student may receive college credit and placement. The following AP courses are offered the PCHS:

• AP English Literature and Composition
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Computer Science (JAVA)
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Psychology
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP US Government
• AP US History
• AP Spanish 5
• AP Statistics