AP Courses: A golden nugget in Stockbridge School’s curriculum

By Cassandra Watson

Most parents, students, and employees of Stockbridge Community Schools know that the school system supports exceptional educational programs for its students. Many are undoubtedly aware that local students continue to perform above average in all standardized testing. But how many realize that the school system also supports a robust and successful advanced placement course program?

In fact, the Stockbridge Junior / Senior High School currently offers six AP courses in biology, physics, calculus, English, computer science principles, and world history. Plus, administrators hope to add a seventh course, US History, during the 2018-2019 school year.

Given the statistics, the priority the school is placing on its AP offerings can hardly be over-estimated. According to the website of the College Board, which administers the AP program, “Over the last 10 years, both the number of U.S. public high school graduates who’ve taken an Advanced Placement^® (AP^®) exam and the number who have scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam have increased by about 70%.”

Jeff Trapp, Principal of SJ/SHS, summarized the school’s perspective in an email, “AP coursework prepares students for college, based on the workload of the course, high stakes testing, and the rigor of the content.” He added, “AP coursework enables an educator to increase the depth and breadth of content covered. It also provides great opportunities for relevant coursework that mimics what a college-aged student would be exposed to.”

Trapp counted a total of 97 students currently enrolled in AP courses at Stockbridge, with 15 of those students taking two or more AP courses. “From an administrator’s perspective, the benefit is the rigorous and relevant curriculum, as well as the opportunity for students to gain college credits while still being in high school,” he said.

In addition, AP students are more likely to graduate from college on time, and timely graduation results in earlier entry into the workforce and lower overall college costs.

Stockbridge Community Schools offer more AP courses than Dansville, Leslie, and Webberville schools with their two, five, and zero AP courses, respectively. Compared to significantly larger Pinckney and Williamston Schools, which list 10 or more AP courses, Stockbridge Community Schools remain competitive, despite fewer financial resources.

“Stockbridge wants to provide opportunities for our students that prepare them for their future,” Trapp said. “AP courses are a great opportunity [for students] to excel in high school and prepare for college.”