Advanced placement (ap)

AP FAQs

What are AP classes?

The Advanced Placement Program allows students to participate in a college level course and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Secondary schools and colleges cooperate in this program to give students the opportunity to show mastery in college-level courses by taking the AP exam in May of each school year.  

What background do I need in order to succeed in an AP class?

No specific background is needed to succeed in an AP class, however there are a few common characteristics

Student Interest - students are interested in a specific course or courses they are attempting. 

Time Management - students can efficiently manage their time to balance the additional rigor of AP courses and their other obligations

Internal Motivation - students are motivated by their own interests instead of external factors to encourage them. 

There are a few AP classes that do have subject level prerequisites, for example the ability to read, write and speak Spanish for AP Spanish and AP Spanish Literature.  Please ask the Assistant Principal or the specific AP class teacher about any specific prerequisites. 

What is the AP/Honors "Grade Bump"?

Because of the additional rigor and workload of AP/Honors courses, all AP/Honors classes are given a GPA "grade bump". On a standard 4 point scale, an A in an AP/Honors class is a 5, a B is a 4 and a C is a 3. There are no grade bump benefits for D or F grades. There are no "grade bumps" for classes that have been designated "advanced". 

How can a student sign up for an AP/Honors class ?

Students sign up for AP/Honors courses during the registration period each spring semester. On occasion, if there is a prerequisite class where a student has not performed acceptably, students may have to get teacher permission to enroll into an AP class. 

How can a student drop an AP/Honors class?

Students have to communicate with the Assistant Principal early in the semester (within the first week of when the school year begins) in order to be considered for a drop for the course

AP Courses Offered

• Biology

• Calculus AB

• Computer Science Principles

• English Language and Comp

• English Literature and Comp

• Spanish Language

• Spanish Literature

• Studio Art

• US Government

• US History 

• World History

Receiving your AP Scores

All AP scores will be available online each July.  The College Board will no longer mail scores to students, they will arrive via email

In order to receive them you must set up an account at College Board

RHS recommends that students create a gmail email account for signing up for College Board, college applications and financial aid.