Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered at many high schools in Stafford County in order to provide highly motivated students the opportunity to study at the college level. AP courses are approved by the College Board. Teachers of AP courses are required to develop and submit a course syllabus to the College Board. Course offerings vary at each school depending on demand and teachers. AP courses require extensive reading, writing, and lab assignments, as well as the completion of summer work. Students who wish to take an AP course will need to discuss AP enrollment criteria with their high school counselors. Students taking Advanced Placement classes are expected to stay in the course during the entire school year and are to take the AP exam in May. It is the responsibility of the student and/or parents to pay the exam fee by the appropriate date. Students who score high enough on the AP exam may earn college credit. Each college or university determines its own policies on acceptance of AP credits. 

Through Advanced Placement (AP) courses, students can do college-level work while still in high school. The courses are available to students who are qualified and meet the background requirements. Upon completion of the AP course, students take the nationally administered AP examination. Based on their score, students may receive college credit or advanced standing for each course taken. Additional   information is available through counseling offices in each high school. Summer assignments may be required.

Note: To receive weighted credit, students must take the AP exam for this course in May.