The purpose of this course is to help students “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives.” (The College Board, AP English Course Description, May 2007, May 2008, p. 6) The course is organized according to the requirements and guidelines of the current AP English Course Description, and therefore, students are expected to read critically, think analytically, and communicate clearly both in writing and speech.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college level courses. The difference between the Honors and AP programs is that the Honors program helps a student prepare for the academic challenges of college, while the AP program allows a student to pursue college level studies while still in high school. A student may receive college credit for an AP course, if the student scores a three or higher on the national AP exam at the end of the year. All AP students are expected to take the AP exam.

To achieve success, AP students must be intrinsically motivated. The demands of an AP course stretch a student’s academic and intellectual ability. With regular attendance, a serious work ethic, and self-disciplined, time-management skills a highly motivated and mature student may successfully complete an AP course and pass the exam. As in college courses, the focus becomes the study of the material, not necessarily daily homework assignments. Independent research and study skills are imperative. A combination of AP and Honors course can prove to be rigorous, especially if the student participates in extra-curricular activities. Students should anticipate the demands on their time from their chosen academic courses and extracurricular activities.