Academics at College Prep

College Prep offers its students a full, rich, and stimulating curriculum, one that meets the academic requirements of all major colleges and universities. Once these graduation requirements have been met, students may elect to advance beyond the usual secondary school level by enrolling in Advanced Placement courses and semester-long electives or by pursuing independent study projects under faculty supervision.

In setting forth this curriculum, the school is committed to several major emphases. One is to develop in its students powers of clear expression in writing and speech, not only in English but also in at least one foreign language. Another is to impart a sense of historical and cultural perspective; a third is to ensure a solid understanding of science and mathematics. A fourth goal is to encourage development of the aesthetic sense through careful integration of the arts into the curriculum. Finally, the school believes in a program of physical education for all students and requires significant involvement in such a program.

Advanced Placement Courses & Examinations

Students prepare for Advanced Placement Examinations by: 1) taking AP courses (we offer AP courses in: Biology, Calculus (AB and BC), Chemistry, Environmental Science, French, Japanese, Latin, Music Theory, Physics, Spanish, and Statistics), 2) doing regular course work (e.g. English, U.S. History, Western Civilization), or 3) studying on their own. Because of the rigor of the regular program, it is unusual for students to take more than two AP courses in a year, or to take an AP course before their junior or senior year. Most students taking AP exams do so in disciplines for which they prepare through our core curriculum.

In May, 2008,  students wrote examinations in the following subjects: Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, Japanese Language, Latin, Physics, Psychology, Spanish Language, Statistics, and U.S. History.

• 97% of students who took an AP exam in 2008 scored 3 or above.

• 86% of all AP scores in 2008 were fours and fives.