Redmond HS to offer Advanced Placement program

Redmond High School has announced that it will begin offering the Advanced Placement Program to students in the 2014-2015 school year.

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) enables students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school.

The AP Program will replace the previously offered International Baccalaureate program at RHS.

We’ll have more on Friday’s announcement and comments from the principal tonight on NewsChannel 21 at Five and Six.

Redmond High School plans to offer the following AP courses to junior and senior students in 2014-15:

AP U.S. History (Junior Level)
AP Language & Composition (Junior Level)
AP Art (Junior & Senior Level)
AP Literature & Composition (Senior Level)
AP Spanish Language & Culture (Senior Level)
AP Calculus (Senior Level)
AP Biology (Senior Level)

Class availability will be based on student response during registration. Current students will be able to discuss AP class options this spring with RHS counselors and staff.

AP courses give students access to rigorous college-level work, but with the support of Redmond High School teachers and peers.

Students will have the opportunity to dig deeper into subjects that interest them, develop advanced research and communication skills, and learn to tap their creativity and their problem-solving and analytical skills to address course challenges.

RHS previously was spending $91,000 annually to provide the IB program. AP will cost Redmond High School about $65,000 in the first year and about $20,000 annually to maintain the program.

AP Exam fees are lower for students at $89 per examination when compared to the IB fee of $109. The College Board, who provides the AP program, also offers a fee reduction for each exam taken by eligible students with financial need (based on participation in Free & Reduced Meal program or household income levels).

Parents with questions are asked to contact Tony Pupo, Assistant Principal, at 541-923-4800.