AP Resources

Course Descriptions

History

AP World History is a college-level high school course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global history from prehistoric times to the present day. The curriculum covers key historical developments, events, and cultural shifts across different civilizations and regions. Students explore themes such as social, political, economic, and cultural changes over time, as well as the interactions and connections between different societies. The course encourages critical thinking, analysis of primary and secondary sources, and the development of historical writing skills. Students are exposed to a wide range of historical perspectives and learn to interpret and evaluate historical evidence.

AP United States History is a college-level high school course that explores the history of the United States from pre-Columbian times to the present day. The curriculum covers key historical events, developments, and themes, including the founding of the nation, westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, social movements, and contemporary issues. Students analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate historical interpretations, and develop skills in historical writing and analysis. The course encourages students to explore the complexities of American history, including diverse perspectives and experiences. 

AP U.S Government and Politics is a college-level high school course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the American political system. The course covers foundational principles such as the Constitution, federalism, the branches of government, political parties, elections, and the role of interest groups and the media. Students explore the development of civil rights and liberties, as well as key Supreme Court cases and landmark legislation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analysis of primary sources, and the application of political concepts to current issues. Students will develop the skills necessary to engage with contemporary political debates and participate in civic life. 

AP Comparative Government and Politics is a college-level high school course designed to introduce students to the study of political systems and governance around the world. The curriculum covers the structures, functions, and policies of governments, examining key concepts such as regime types, political change, policy-making processes, and globalization. Students study countries like the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria, and Iran, comparing political institutions, economic policies, and social issues to understand how different systems address challenges and interact globally. The course encourages critical thinking, analysis of political data, and the application of comparative methods to real-world political scenarios. 

Science

AP Biology is a challenging high school curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological concepts at a college level. Covering topics such as cellular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology, the course emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Students engage in in-depth exploration of biological principles through analysis of scientific literature, data interpretation, and experimental design. The AP Biology curriculum is covered in the first semester of DE Biology with the second semester adding additional information from the NOVA curriculum such as zoology, botany, and organ systems. 

AP Environmental Science is a college-level high school course designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world. The course covers topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, energy flow, pollution, climate change, and the impact of human activities on the environment. Students engage in critical analysis of environmental issues, explore scientific research methods, and apply ecological principles to real-world scenarios. The curriculum emphasizes sustainability, resource management, and environmental policies, encouraging students to think critically about solutions to global environmental challenges. Hands-on labs and field investigations are integral to the course, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological systems and human impact. 

AP Psychology is a college-level high school course designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Throughout the course, students explore various psychological theories, research methods, and key concepts in areas such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. The curriculum covers topics such as sensation and perception, learning and memory, personality, abnormal psychology, and psychological disorders. Students engage in critical thinking, analysis of psychological research, and application of psychological principles to real-world situations. 

Other

AP Statistics is a college-level high school course that focuses on the principles and methods of statistical analysis. The curriculum covers key topics such as exploring data (descriptive statistics), probability, statistical inference, and regression analysis. Students learn to analyze and interpret data, make inferences, and draw conclusions based on statistical methods. The course emphasizes the practical application of statistics in various contexts, including science, social science, and business. Students engage in hands-on activities, data collection, and statistical modeling to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. 

AP Microeconomics is a college-level high school course designed to introduce students to the principles of economics as they apply to individual decision-makers within the economy. The course covers topics such as supply and demand, market structures, consumer choice, production costs, and the behavior of firms in different competitive environments. Students explore how markets function, the role of government in regulating markets, and the economic impact of externalities and public goods. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical and problem-solving skills through the use of economic models, data analysis, and real-world applications of microeconomic theory. 

AP Computer Science A is a rigorous high school curriculum that introduces students to the fundamentals of computer science and programming. Emphasizing Java programming language, the course covers topics such as algorithms, data structures, object-oriented programming, and problem-solving. Students learn to design, implement, and analyze computer programs, developing skills in logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking. The AP Computer Science A course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in computer science principles, preparing them for college-level coursework and potential careers in the field. Successful completion may earn students college credit and serves as an excellent introduction to the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of computer science.