AP Information and Courses Offered
Clarkdale High School students may obtain college credits through Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The College Board defines AP course curriculum, provides teacher training, and administers a national standardized examination for each course. Students enrolled in an Advanced Placement course are encouraged to take the examination administered by the College Board. Most colleges award college credit to students who earn at least a rating of "3" out of a possible "5" on the examination while others require a score of "4". Parents and students are advised to check with colleges for details.
The College Board offers Advanced Placement exams in 35 subjects and successful completion of an exam grants a student college-level credit for the subject material. Meridian High School has a wide selection of AP classes including English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, and Government.
AP English Language and Composition
2 semesters; 1 unit credit
AP English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Through writing and reading, students will become aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. Students will read complex texts with understanding and write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers
AP Calculus AB
2 Semesters; 1 unit credit
The Advanced Placement Calculus course consists of a full academic year of work in Calculus and related topics for the student who has a thorough knowledge of Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Advanced Algebra. This course represents college level mathematics and is concerned with aiding a student to achieve an intuitive understanding of the concepts of Calculus and to experience this with its methods and applications. The methods of instruction and testing will be similar to college math classes; therefore, more self-discipline will be required. The calculus course provides a good background for students who intend to major in mathematics and science related fields.
AP Biology
2 semesters; 1 unit credit
This is a preparatory course for students wishing to take the National Advanced Placement Examination in order to earn college credit. AP Biology includes the facts, principles, and processes of biology. Topics covered include biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, plant and animal tissues, and taxonomy. Students can earn college credit through examination after taking this course.
AP Chemistry
2 semesters; 1 unit credit
AP Chemistry is a preparatory course for those students wishing to take the National Advanced Placement Examination. It is possible to earn college credit through this examination. This course deals with advanced concepts in chemistry. Laboratory work and chemical problem solving are an integral part of the course.
AP Physics
2 semesters; 1 unit credit
Physics provides opportunities for students to develop and communicate an understanding of matter and energy through lab-based activities, mathematical expressions, and concept exploration. Concepts covered in this course include kinematics, dynamics, energy, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and electricity. Laboratory activities, research, the use of technology, and the effective communication of results through various methods are integral components of this course.
AP U. S. History
2 semesters; 1 unit credit
Advanced Placement U. S. History is a basic survey of U.S. history, beginning with colonization and continuing through current issues. This is a preparatory course for those students wishing to take the National Advanced Placement Examination. It is possible to earn college credit through this examination.