Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

The Advanced Placement Program (AP®) endorsed by the College Board, offers college-level courses to high school students. Each course is developed by a committee composed of college faculty and AP® teachers, and covers the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course.  The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District offers the following Advanced Placement courses:

AP® Biology

AP® Calculus AB

AP® Calculus BC

AP® Chemistry

AP® Computer Science

AP® English Literature and Composition

AP® European History

AP® Human Geography

AP® Language and Composition

AP® Music Theory

AP® Physics 1

AP® Physics 2

AP® Physics C: Mechanics

AP® Psychology

AP® Statistics

AP® US Government & Politics

AP® US History

AP® World History

Deciding Which Courses to Take
Counselors can advise you as to which of the AP® courses fit your educational and career goals, as well as any courses or additional support you might need in order to enroll in AP in future years. Teachers can give you a good sense of which courses you might consider and how you might prepare.

Examinations and Scores
Students who enroll in an Advanced Placement course(s) are required to take the examination, which is scheduled during the month of May. The Advanced Placement examination consists of multiple choice questions scored mechanically by the Educational Testing Service and a free response section that requires essay writing and problem solving.

In late July, an AP® Grade Report is sent to each student, the high school, and if the student requests it, to a college/university. The AP® examinations are scored on a scale of 1-5. Each college/university decides which AP® examination scores are acceptable. The majority of colleges accept grades of three or better and offer the student credit, as if they had taken one or more basic college courses in the subject area tested. In some cases, college/university credit is not offered, but the requirement of taking basic courses is waived and the student begins the program of study on an advanced level.