Advanced Placement

    Telephone: 240-740-6950

    Advanced Placement Specialist: Mr. Michael Sauter

    Mission Statement

    Combining the rigors and proven benefits of exposure to AP classes along with Northwood’s philosophy of ‘choice’ the AP program strives to create an atmosphere of academic achievement, strengthen students’ writing levels, analytical thinking, research skills, productivity and college preparedness by increasing the number of Advanced Placement opportunities, AP certified teachers and integrated support systems within the high school so that every may be exposed to a college level experience while at Northwood.

     

    Equity Statement

    The College Board and the Advanced Placement Program encourage teachers, AP Coordinators, and school administrators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs. The College Board is committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs. All students who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum should be considered for admission to AP courses. The Board encourages the elimination of barriers that restrict access for AP courses to students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the AP Program. Schools should make every effort to ensure that their AP classes reflect the diversity of their student population.

    -- The College Board

    Expectations

    Northwood Advanced Placement students will be immersed in a rigorous, college-level classroom experience with certified College Board teachers who are passionate about their subjects and demonstrate continued commitment to meeting the needs of their pupils. With smaller class sizes, more personalized seminar style atmospheres and demanding expectations, students who follow the path of Advanced Placement will be fully prepared to face the challenges of four year universities upon graduation. While AP classes are open to all, it is recommended that AP students:

    • Have a “B” average in the academic area of the respective AP course
    • Possess the ability to synthesize and apply information
    • Are well organized
    • Are intrinsically motivated and have a strong work ethic
    • Have personal accountability (attendance / homework / self-advocacy)
    • Have the ability to maintain focus
    • Are willing to accept and act on constructive feedback
    • Are passionate about their course
    • Are willing to work collaboratively
    • Will spend extra time to reach their goals

    AP Program Goals

    1. Increase the number of students participating in AP classes
    2. To raise the performance of all students by creating a culture of high academic achievement and expectations through vertically aligned curriculum
    3. To increase AP enrollment within traditionally under-represented students groups
    4. To prepare students for a competitive college admission process
    5. To offer those students who desire, a challenging cohort pathway culminating in Northwood’s Early College Scholars program.
    6. To facilitate a higher level of academic performance by all students by providing them with the means to achieve their personal academic goals
    7. To expand both the number of AP classes offered, as well as the number of AP certified teachers, at Northwood.

    Support

    Due to the challenging nature of Advanced Placement courses, Northwood has a comprehensive academic support plan in place to meet the needs of their students. Components of the support structure include, but are not limited to:

    • AP Enrichment Sessions
    • AP Vertical Alignment (Pre-AP Instruction)
    • AVID

    Five Reasons to Sign Up for AP

    • Earn college credit in high school!
    • Make your high school transcript more appealing to colleges!
    • Learn the skills necessary to succeed at competitive four year universities!
    • Challenge yourself and make yourself proud!
    • Be better prepared for Northwood’s Early College Program
    Watch Michelle Obama's "Choose Success. Choose AP" message.

      

    AP Scores and Montgomery College Credits

    Montgomery College awards credits for certain Advanced Placement subject examinations. To view a complete listing, access the following page:

    Advanced Placement Scores and Montgomery College Credits