Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement programme (AP) at the Dragon Academy affords highly motivated students the opportunity to undertake a university level course of study while they are in high school. The AP programme differs from traditionally structured high school curricula in that the level of academic work is equivalent to that of a first year university course in Mathematics, Sciences, the Humanities and the Social Sciences. The benefits of participating in the Advanced Placement programme at the Dragon Academy include:

• Earning college/university credit for work done in high school
• Developing sophisticated analytical and writing skills
• Fostering sound study habits and a strong work ethic
• Encouraging academic excellence in a subject area
• Working with primary source materials and expanding study beyond a single textbook
• Learning how to be a successful, self-sufficient university student

Recognised by most first tier Canadian universities, and virtually all U. S. universities, Advanced Placement enables high-achieving high school seniors the opportunity to master university preparation material, and to bypass generalist (often over-enrolled and rather dull) first year courses. At present, Dragon students prepare for and sit the College Board administered Advanced Placement exams, but we are in the process of achieving accreditation for a number of our senior level courses as designated AP Courses.

Research has demonstrated that participation in AP courses is a good indicator of success in college/university. Moreover, the skills and habits of mind taught in the AP programme at the Dragon Academy translate to success in professional and personal life. Students in The Dragon AP program have achieved excellence on the exams, earning college credit in French, European History, Biology, Calculus, English Literature, and U.S. History. Experienced educators who hold advanced degrees and possess expertise in the subject matter teach AP material at the Dragon. For more information on the AP programme, see: www.collegeboard.com, or speak with the director of AP programs, Dr. Seth David Halvorson.