Advanced Courses

Why choose Advanced Courses?

Advanced and AP courses are designed to challenge students beyond grade-level academic courses and prepare them for success in future advanced coursework.  Advanced Courses (previously Pre-AP) are meant to challenge students into a deeper understanding of the course content and prepare them for future AP courses. AP Courses give students the chance to tackle college-level work while they are still in high school and potentially earn college credit. Students may require additional encouragement and support from both family and campus to be successful in advanced academics.

Northside ISD recognizes the value of student participation in advanced academic coursework and encourages students to graduate from high school with at least one advanced academic course credit. Participation in advanced academic courses is a foundation of college readiness. Students who participate are more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree in college and typically have higher college GPAs. The intent of this commitment is to maximize each student’s potential for success.

Campus Commitment

The campus commits to advanced academics by communicating the value of advanced coursework, recruiting students with potential for success, encouraging student commitment, and supporting advanced academics instruction. 

Student Commitment

The student commits to advanced academics by recognizing the long  term benefits of participation and seeking assistance when needed. As a student enrolled in an AP or Advanced course:

• I understand that advanced academic courses may seem challenging at first and initial grades may not reflect later grades in the course.
• In the event that I encounter difficulties with the course content, I will conference with my teacher about my progress and attend recommended tutorials.
• I understand that course changes will be contingent on space availability, extenuating circumstances, the teacher’s appraisal of my potential for success in the course, and the timing of the request. 
• I understand that successful completion of an AP exam can yield college credit. 
• I understand that participation in advanced coursework prepares me well for college, increases my chances of finishing a college degree in four years and earning a higher college GPA.

Parent Commitment

The parent commits to Advanced Academics by supporting student learning in the advanced academic course; by supporting teacher efforts to provide rigorous, quality instruction; and by valuing the learning that occurs in the advanced academic course. As a parent of a student enrolled in an AP or Advanced course:

• I will encourage my child to be prepared for class every day.
• I understand that advanced academic courses may seem challenging at first and initial grades may not reflect later grades in the course.
• If my child encounters difficulties with the course content, I will expect my child to conference with the teacher and attend recommended tutorials.
• Prior to initiating a petition for my child to exit the course, I will contact the teacher for his/her input. 
• I understand that schedule changes will be contingent on space availability, extenuating circumstances, and the teacher’s appraisal of my child’s potential for success in the course, and the timing of the request.

Teacher Commitment

The teacher commits to advanced academics by encouraging student participation and success, planning for student learning, providing rigorous, quality instructions, and offering assistance for struggling students. As a teacher of an AP or Advanced course: 

• I will teach the course following the curriculum developed by Northside ISD and as authorized by College Board (AP Courses).
• I will provide instruction that prepares students for the next level advanced academic course.
• I will provide quality instruction at an advanced level and give ample opportunities for students to be successful. 
• I will assign work that is meaningful and relevant to the required learning goals.
• I know that students are enrolled in many other courses and that the workload for this course must not be unreasonably time consuming.
• I will provide appropriate tutorial opportunities for students who have difficulty with course content.