Our AP® Program

The Advanced Placement® Program provides students with a flexible and challenging program of studies that is recognized throughout the world.

Over 22,000 schools in more than 80 countries offer the AP® Program. In Canada, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario lead the country in performance. Dr. E.P. Scarlett School typically meets or exceeds provincial performance averages with the vast majority of our students attaining a grade of 3 or higher.

Currently, there are approximately 400 students involved in the AP® Program at Dr. E.P. Scarlett. This represents about 25 per cent of our student population. Achieving excellent results improves our students’ chances of being accepted by a university of their choice and results in many gaining credit and exemption from first-year courses at university. Accessing scholarships is often enhanced by participating in a program of challenge like AP®, provided the student is also involved in community and school-based extra-curricular activities.

The best reason for a student to enter into a program of challenge is the opportunity to learn more about a subject area that the student is interested in, and to be in a classroom with like-minded students. This powerful learning environment is further complemented by a teaching staff who is highly experienced and dedicated to the provision of educational enrichment. Furthermore, taking AP® classes leads to improved results on Alberta Diploma exams. We, at Dr. E.P. Scarlett School, look forward to the opportunity of working with you to achieve academic excellence and attain exceptional preparation for post-secondary studies.

Information on Program

Students may choose to take only one course or complete all the courses offered in AP®. If a student chooses to take three or more AP® courses they may qualify for AP® Scholar Awards, AP® Scholar with Distinction Awards or a National AP® Scholar Certificate.

Students planning on entering into AP® at our school begin their initial enrichment courses in Grade 10 in the subjects of Math, Science, European History, English Literature, Spanish Language & Culture, and Art. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics begin in Grade 11. Students in French Immersion may choose to write the French Language and Culture AP exam in grade 12 (with preparation occurring outside of class time). Students in Computing Sciences may choose to complete AP Computer Science Principles in grade 12. 

"Advanced Placement® provides the challenge that I need. You are instructed by teachers who are passionate and have a great deal of experience in their subjects.” - Nicole F., Grade 12 student

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is AP®?

AP® is a program that was created by the College Board in the United States to stimulate and enrich students beyond the regular high school curriculum. Successful completion of AP® examinations can lead to students obtaining credit and advanced placement in most major universities and colleges throughout the world.

What are the entrance requirements to take AP® classes?

Successful applicants should have a strong interest in learning more about a particular discipline. We recommend excellent academic achievement to enter an AP® subject as well as a strong teacher recommendation. The overall standing of the student is not as important as the performance of an applicant in a prerequisite course because enrichment occurs on a course-by-course basis. All applicants are required to complete and submit an AP Expression of Intent form by March 15.

Does AP® curriculum fit well with Alberta curriculum?

Although the program began in the United States, the College Board has been enormously responsive to requests for Canadian content. There are Canadian AP® markers, and a Canadian regional office. AP® courses are designed with enough flexibility to meet localized curriculum requirements as well as attain credits or advanced placement at most universities.

What are the benefits of taking AP® classes?

• You’ll study a subject in greater depth. If you are interested in a particular subject and want to learn more about it with classmates who are just as enthusiastic, your best bet is to take an AP® class. 
• AP® courses provide additional challenge. Many students find the material more stimulating. 
• Many students say that AP® has helped to steer them towards college or university studies. 
• AP® prepares you for university-level work. The skills gained in this program ease the transition into post-secondary institutions. 
• You’ll improve your chances of getting into a competitive university. Admission officers are well aware of the difficulty of AP® courses and exams. 
• Taking AP® classes can open doors for you. The vast majority of universities grant either academic credit, advanced placement, or both to incoming students with qualifying AP® grades. 
• By taking an AP® exam you will be investing in yourself and your future. The exam fee can translate into major savings. One single course in university is $600-$1000.
  The confidence you gain from completing AP® classes may lead to other significant accomplishments in university and in life. 
• You may have a better chance of achieving the Scholar Awards and attaining scholarships.

Will I earn lower marks in AP®?

Marks on the report card will reflect the outcomes of the Alberta curriculum; and therefore, students will not earn lower marks when enrolled in AP®. Furthermore, students often excel on Diploma exams because of their enriched learning experiences in AP®.

Must students write the AP® exams, or can they take the courses for enjoyment?

Students taking the AP® route in Grade 10 and 11 may do so for the valuable enrichment in those courses. In Grade 12, though, students are strongly encouraged to write the AP® exams. AP® exams are graded on a five-point scale:

5 - extremely well qualified
4 - well qualified
3 - qualified
2 - possibly qualified
1 - no recommendation

Who receives the AP® exam results?

AP® exam results are available online in early July. During the writing of the exam, students can also request that the results be sent to designated universities and colleges.

What is the difference between the Advanced Placement® Program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program?

Both the AP® and the IB Programs provide excellent enrichment opportunities that recognize student differences in preparation, motivation, and ability. Both are accepted by most major universities and colleges throughout the world. In AP®, every course taught may lead to university credit. In IB, only courses taught at the “higher level” designation are university credit courses. AP® is very flexible as students may take one course, or more. The CBE requires that IB students take a minimum of two courses. Some IB students may choose to complete a full IB program; however, there are many additional requirements to this program. AP® is more flexible as there are no additional requirements other than the completion of course work. Both programs are externally validated through comprehensive, internationally recognized examinations.

“AP® offers students a challenge that they would not receive in normal classes. They learn more and as a result, may receive credit for university courses. It is a great program for those with an intent on learning.” - Brett L., Grade 12 student

Advanced Placement® Course Selection for AP® Students and AP® Scholar Students

For the outline of Alberta University Recognition of Advanced Placement®, view the Advanced Placement® brochure.

“Advanced Placement® is an excellent resource for students who have an interest or adeptness in a particular area.” - Dan M., Grade 12 student

For more information, contact the guidance department or the AP Coordinator at 403-281-3366.