Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)  


The College Board offers Advanced Placement exams in 35 subjects and successful completion of an exam grants a student college level credit for the subject material. Hidalgo High School has a wide selection of AP classes, including English III Language and Composition, English IV Literature, Calculus (AB), Statistics, Physics (A), Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, U.S. History, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, U.S. Government, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Spanish Literature, Music Theory, Studio Art and Computer Science.

What Is Pre-AP/AP?
     
The Pre-AP/AP course of study is a concerted effort to support educational excellence for all students. The intention of the program is to teach and reinforce crucial academic skills. According to the College Board, successful Pre-AP/AP courses include:

  • On-going emphasis on promoting essential academic habits of mind.

  • Increased communication and alignment of curriculum.

  • Strong administrative, parental, and community support.

  • Inclusion of academic strengths and interests of students and teachers.

The Pre-AP/AP curriculum is based on two important beliefs: (1) The belief that all students can perform at rigorous academic levels; and (2) The belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement through early development of skills and knowledge.

Why Take Pre-AP/AP Classes?
    
Students who participate in the Pre-AP/AP program learn valuable skills and strengthen their foundation for future academic and career success. According to a 1986 University of Texas study, students who participated in Pre-AP/AP courses were better prepared academically and were more likely to choose challenging majors and complete college-level work. 
     
Students participating in the Pre-AP/AP program not only improve their academic skills, but AP courses at the 11th and 12th grade offer students an opportunity to gain college credit while still in high school and/or gain advanced placement in college.

What Does it Take to Succeed in Pre-AP/AP?
     
Successful Pre-AP/AP students are hard-working, self-motivated, and inquisitive learners. Pre-AP/AP students are expected to possess productive study habits and time management skills.

Entry Policy

Students must meet 2 of the criteria set

  • Teacher recommendation from teacher in a prerequisite course.
  • Teacher interview conducted by the AP teacher.
  • Student must have passed the prerequisite Pre-AP course with a minimum of 80 or if the student was enrolled in a regular class the student must have passed the prerequisite course with an 80 or above.

Pre-AP and AP classes are open enrollment.

Exit Policy For Students Entering Grade 9 in 2001-2002, 2002-2003, and 2003-2004

  • A student will be exited from this course at a student/parent’s request after a conference with the student, parent, teacher and administrator or counselor in which it is determined that it is in the student’s best interest.

  • A student who is failing with a grade below 65 at the six or nine weeks mark or below a 70 for 2 consecutive six or nine weeks will be considered for program exit. A conference will be held with the student, parent, teacher and administrator in order to determine if it is in the students best interest to exit the program.

 
Entry Policy for entering freshmen 2005-2006 and thereafter

Students must meet these criteria:

  • Teacher recommendation from teacher in a prerequisite course.
  • Student must have passed the prerequisite Pre-AP course with a minimum grade of 80% or if a student was enrolled in a regular class, the student must have passed the prerequisite course with 85% or above.
  • Student’s state assessment will be reviewed and considered before placement.

Exit Policy For Entering Grade 9 in 2005-2006 and thereafter

A student will be exited from this course at a student/parent’s request after a conference with the student, parent, teacher and administrator or counselor in which it is determined that it is in thestudent’s best interest.

  • A student who is failing with a grade below 65 at the 3-week period will require a conference with teacher, parent, and student.
  • If student’s grade is below a 70% at the end of the 6-week grading period, a second conference will be required to remain in the program on probation.
  • A student who fails (below 70%) for 2 consecutive 6-weeks will be considered for program exit. A conference will be held with the teacher, parent, student, counselor, and administrator in order to determine if it is in the student’s best interest to exit the program.