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AP African- American History

Grades 11-12

APAAH FAQs

Q: Is APAAH a new course?

A: Yes! College Board has decided to add a course this year. You will part of Central’s inaugural APAAH class.

Q: What’s the difference between APAAH, Developing Black Historical Consciousness and Pan African Studies 200?

A: Developing Black Historical Consciousness is a high school level class that focuses on African-American History. Pan African Studies 200 is a college level introductory course, that introduces students to the different aspects of Pan African Studies, according to Maulana Karenga. Students earn 3 college credit hours, as long as they pass the course. APAAH is an AP class, where you will earn college credit when you pass the AP Test. The subject matter in each class is similar, but the type of credit you earn, how you earn that credit and the level of difficulty varies.

Taught by Ms. Trice

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AP Biology

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Bio or Advanced Bio

Advanced Placement Biology (AP Bio) is designed to be the equivalent of a two semester first year college biology course with a laboratory. The course can serve as preparation for the AP Biology examination administered at the end of the spring term. Successful completion of the course and a score of 3 or above on the exam, may qualify the student for credit for an introductory level biology course at the college or university level (varies from school to school).

Additionally, all students enrolled in AP Biology will be required to complete a student-designed scientific research or engineering project. This project must be presented at the Louisville Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

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AP Calculus (AB)

Grades 11-12

Pre-Requisite: Pre-Calculus

This course uses skills learned in all previous math courses to learn about Calculus - the mathematics of change. Students should have completed Pre-Calculus with an 85% or better.

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AP Chemistry

Grades 11-12*

*Must have already taken Chemistry

Learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You’ll do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems.

STEM majors, pre-med, this is for you! Pass the test and most universities will allow you to place out of general chemistry! And most liberal arts majors require a science credit of some kind, so knock out this “weed-out” course.

A large majority of the MCAT sciences are based on chemistry subjects (gen chem, ochem, biochem), so it will help even if you don’t get the exam.

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AP Computer Science Principles

Grades 11-12

AP Computer Science Principles is not the full on coding realm, but an understanding of how computers and coding work hand in hand in all facets of life. From sports to medicine, AP CSP will challenge you to think creatively, yet also teach you the basics of program creation and how many popular apps that you use today have been created.

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AP Environmental Science Grades 10-12

For those who love the Earth...

AP Environmental Science welcomes students who have successfully completed or are currently taking algebra I and chemistry.

Environmental Science is the study of the environment and environmental problems. This course will expose you to the interconnectedness of all natural processes on Earth, as well as the ecological requirements for sustaining human life. You will get up close and personal learning about how individual and collective decisions and policies directly impact the environment, as well as how to balance both humanity’s needs and nature’s needs without further compromising the ecosystem.

A passing score (3-5) on the AP environmental science exam will earn you 4 college credits, replacing a natural science w/lab course at University of Louisville. Other top universities in Kentucky give 3 college credits for a passing AP score.

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AP Human Geography

Fulfills Civics Graduation Requirement (Typically taken in 10th Grade)

The Advanced Placement Human Geography (APHG) course introduces you to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. You will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. You will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. It is an excellent course for preparing students to become geo-literate youth and adults.

Makes a good pre-requisite course for AP Environmental Science (APES).

Units Covered:

-Geography and Geographical Perspectives

-Population, Demographics Migration

-Cultural Developments and Patterns

-Political Organization of Space

-Agriculture and rural Land Usage

-Urbanization

-Industrial and Economic Development

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AP Language and Composition

Grade 11

Fulfills English 3 Graduation Requirement

Full-year English class that analyzes HOW authors write, persuade, and make “word art”

Not much homework (you can take this + other AP courses in the same year…”doable”)
Take this class if:

You want to become a stronger reader and are willing to do multiple reads
You want to become a better writer
You enjoy class discussions + projects
You enjoy analysis of art, people, places, etc…
You want college English credit
You are creative
You want to be more “well read”

Don’t take this class if:

You are not willing to read a text
You are not willing to revise

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AP Literature and Composition

Grade 12

Fulfills English 4 Graduation Requirement

Full Year-Long English course that focuses on how authors create beautiful and compelling stories and poems.

Some required reading outside of class (about 30 mins per day).
Take this class if…

You want to deepen your understanding of literature
Love analyzing literary elements (character, setting, perspective, figurative language, etc.) for meaning
Want college English credit
You see meaning beyond the words on the page
You want to be more “well read”

Don’t Take this class if…

You are not willing to read
You are not willing to think deeply

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AP Physics

Prerequiste: Algebra 1

Science majors, computer science majors, engineering majors, and premedical majors will have to take physics in college
You will have a better rate of success in college physics if you take AP Physics 1
Physics is the foundation science for all the sciences.
25% of the science knowledge required for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is physics-based.
AP Physics 1 looks good for college recruitment
Homework is Algebra-based word problems
25% of class work will be labs which will involve analyzing graphs that are created
Juniors and Seniors normally take this class.

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AP Psychology

Grades 10-12

The AP Psychology course is designed to be the equivalent of the Introduction to Psychology course usually taken as part of the school’s general education requirements.
Students who think they may be interested in a career in psychology will learn about professional opportunities in psychology.
An understanding of human psychology can give you an edge in business, activism and relationships.

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.

While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology.

Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

~ AP Website

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AP Research

Grades 11-12

Pre-Requisite: AP Seminar

Full year English class that allows you to flex your research muscles to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue or idea of individual interest.

If class time is used properly, very little to no homework
Take this class if…

You are self-directed and like working in a semi self-paced environment.
Have a topic or issue that you would like to plan and implement a yearlong study of
You enjoy academic writing
You want to further the research skills you learned in AP Seminar

Don’t take this class if,

You aren’t self-directed and disciplined
You don’t like writing or researching

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AP Seminar

English 2 Requirement (10th)

12th grade elective

Students select their own controversial research questions, understand the complexities of the issue through various lenses, brainstorm solutions, then present their findings in papers and presentations.
Work in small groups and independently
Frequent class discussions/debates
Take this class if:

You plan to go to college
You are a curious and/or creative person
You are a strong reader, writer and/or speaker (or WANT to improve :))
You want to leave Central with AP credit (this class has the highest AP passing rate!!)

Don’t take this class if you have trouble collaborating with others OR if you “want something easy”�

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AP Statistics

Making Mathematical Sense of the World -- In other words, how can I know if I’m being told the truth? When they say a “study” says oatmeal will help me live longer, how can I look at the numbers to see if it’s accurate?--maybe it’s the sugar and milk!

What is AP Statistics?A college level introductory course in statistics. You’ll learn how to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data. Because it’s an AP course, you can earn college credit for this course.

Why Should I Take It?Statistics is the most useful branch of mathematics. You’ll never ask the question in class, “When will I ever use this?”

Who Uses Statistics? Almost every college major now requires a Statistics course of some sort.

What’s Required? Success in at least Algebra 2 and a recommendation by your current Math teacher. A Math ACT of about 17 or higher, and a matching ACT score in Reading. Plus a commitment to do college-level effort. Seniors and Juniors are eligible for Stats as an elective if they have completed Algebra 2.

Fact: Data Science (Statistics plus Computer skills) is one of the fastest growing and high-paying careers

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AP US History

Fulfills US History Graduation Requirement (Typically taken in 11th Grade)

Advanced Placement (AP) United States History is a full year survey course in American history. The course timeline begins in the Pre Columbian era and concludes in the present day. The course will be taught backwards chronologically with an emphasis placed on major themes as they unfold throughout the nation’s history. The course is designed for students who wish to take the AP exam in May.

In order to prepare for the AP exam:

the development of analytical skills and a factual knowledge base necessary to deal with the complex problems inherent in US history
critical thinking to assess historical materials, weigh scholarly arguments, and place historical evidence in a relevant context
persuasive writing and speaking skills
historical material will be tied back into relevant issues in order to provide a sense of connection and perspective.

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Fulfills World History Graduation Requirement (Typically taken in 9th Grade)

Advanced Placement (AP) World History is a full year survey course (August-May) in World history told from a variety of perspectives. The course timeline begins in the Pre Columbian era and concludes in the present day. The course will be taught backwards chronologically with an emphasis placed on major themes as they unfold throughout the nation’s history. The course is designed for students who wish to take the AP exam in May.

In order to prepare for the AP exam:

the development of analytical skills and a factual knowledge base necessary to deal with the complex problems inherent in World history
critical thinking to assess historical materials, weigh scholarly arguments, and place historical evidence in a relevant context
persuasive writing and speaking skills
historical material will be tied back into relevant issues in order to provide a sense of connection and perspective.
Recognition of patterns throughout World History.
Utilization of multiple resources