Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, administered by the College Board, offers college-level courses taught by qualified high school teachers. Established in the United States in 1955, the AP Program has provided millions of students with the opportunity to experience college-level coursework while still in high school.

Greater Johnstown High School currently offers 13 Advanced Placement courses. The AP Program allows students to experience increased academic rigor, develop college-level skills, and prepare for the expectations of post-secondary education while remaining in the supportive environment of their high school.

Benefits of Advanced Placement Courses

Students who participate in AP courses may benefit in many ways, including:

• Potential college credit: Students may earn college credit by successfully completing the AP examination. A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing; however, individual colleges and universities determine their own AP credit policies and may require a score of 4 or 5.

• College-level academic preparation: AP courses provide students with opportunities to master rigorous content and develop the academic skills necessary for success in college.

• Advanced skill development: AP courses challenge students to strengthen critical skills in mathematics, reading, writing, analysis, problem-solving, and communication through increased academic expectations and rigorous coursework.

• Preparation for college expectations: The pace, workload, and academic standards of AP courses help students develop the study habits, time-management skills, and independence needed to succeed in post-secondary education.

• A seamless transition to college: AP coursework provides students with an opportunity to experience the expectations and rigor of college-level classes before graduating from high school.

AP Examination Requirement

The administration of Greater Johnstown High School reserves the right to require students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses to take the corresponding AP examination at the conclusion of the course.

All costs associated with AP examinations are the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian.

AP Course Grade Weighting

For Advanced Placement courses, an additional 20% weighting will be added to the final course grade percentage for GPA calculation purposes.

Example:
Final course grade: 92%
AP weighting: +20%
Weighted grade for GPA calculation: 112%

AP Courses