These courses are designed to provide students with an academic challenge beyond what is provided in other courses and the opportunity to attain college credit at the high-school level. There is a greater amount of coursework required, which is more challenging and rigorous. Assignments and activities are specifically designed to require students to think critically at a higher cognitive level to prepare them for college and career readiness. All students in AP classes are required to take the AP exam in that subject.
Honors/AP students must be prepared to accept the academic challenges of these courses. Most honors and AP courses require a summer assignment.
Specifically, students applying to these courses should have:
- a high level of interest in the subject matter, the background knowledge required to enter the course and be motivated to learn
- a strong academic ability to handle subject matter at the college level
- self-discipline, curiosity, persistence and independence to be successful in the course
- a history of and maintain excellent attendance
- strong reading and writing skills
Specific honors/AP courses may include additional requirements as specified in the Summit High School Course of Studies.
Students are encouraged to apply for an honors or AP course if they meet the selection requirements listed in the Summit High School Course of Studies. Consulting with current teachers, school counselors and department supervisors are valuable steps in this process. Summit High School students presently in an honors/AP course will be accepted into the next level in a certain subject area if they have a B- or better average at the midterm with no grade less than C+. If the student does not meet the above criteria and still wishes to take the class he/she must follow appeals process. The student will be accepted into the course if he/she has achieved an average of B- or better in the third marking period. Summit High School students presently in a regular level course within a certain subject area will be accepted into an honors/AP course if they have an A- or better average at the midterm with no grade less than B and a recommendation from their current teacher.
If the student does not meet the above criteria and still wishes to take the class, he/she may be accepted based upon the decision of the department supervisor.
Any student selecting more than three honors/AP courses should evaluate the amount of work the courses will require and consider how he/she will balance the course work. Acceptance into an honors class or AP class is a full year commitment except for Macroeconomics and United States Government and Politics, 2.5 credit classes. Schedule changes in and out honors and AP courses will not permitted unless there are extenuating circumstances. In no case will a change be made before the end of the first grade-reporting period. If a student is performing poorly he/she may be removed from the class based on an administrative decision.