The mission of the Evergreen School District is to challenge and stretch every student academically in a rigorous set of classes every year. Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes offers you an opportunity to enter a world of knowledge and a learning environment that you might not otherwise experience in high school: by taking AP exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities.

The greatest benefits of AP are the experience of improving your writing skills and sharpening your problem-solving techniques; developing the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework; assuming the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself; and studying subjects in greater depth and detail.

All students are encouraged to seriously consider enrollment in one or more AP courses during their high school careers. Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses offered in high school. AP courses include frequent homework and involve extensive reading. Students in AP courses may earn college credit or advanced placement if they perform well on rigorous national AP tests. Ask your counselor for assistance in selecting 9th, 10th, and 11th grade courses that will prepare you for success in any AP course that interests you.

Weighted Grades and Rank in AP Programs (Class of 2011 and beyond)

Students who enroll in AP courses will have their grades calculated on a 5.0 scale (rather than a 4.0) to determine their grade point average (GPA) for class rank only. Many college and universities use "class rank" as a major factor in their admissions decisions, in addition to overall GPA, courses taken, community service hours, etc. For transcript records all courses will be calculated on a 4.0 scale to determine overall GPA.