UPPER SCHOOL
Curriculum Guide
Course Registration
AP APPLICATION INFORMATION AND PROCESS FOR THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AP COURSE APPLICATION POLICY
GENERAL INFORMATIONAP BIOLOGY
- Standard Requirements:
- B+ or higher in Biology (15) (first semester and final grade).
- A recommendation from the previous science teacher.
- Alternative Pathway (beginning with the class of 2027):
- A in Chemistry (15) (first semester).
- A in Chemistry (15) (final grade).
- A- (grade) in English 10.
- Demonstrated strong academic and personal qualities (independence, initiative, resourcefulness, effective communication).
- Successful completion of assigned summer work.
- B+ or higher in Chemistry (15) (first semester and final grade).
- A recommendation from the previous science teacher.
- Successful completion of Algebra II (15).
- Rising Juniors and Seniors:
- A- or above in Physics (15).
- A- or above in Algebra II (15).
- Rising Sophomores:
- Current average of at least 95 in Physics (15) (maintained throughout the year).
- 90 or above in Algebra II (15) (or, in rare cases, Geometry (15)).
- Demonstrated strong academic qualities (independence, initiative, resourcefulness, effective communication).
- Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry (15).
- Awareness that the course demands a significant workload.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
- B+ or higher in Biology (10) or B or higher in Biology (15) (first semester and final grade).
- Successful completion of Chemistry.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AVAILABLE AP COURSES
AP BIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONAP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. In this course, students also study biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell communication and cell cycle, heredity, gene expression and regulation, natural selection, and ecology.
Available to students in grade(s): 12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
Course length: Full-year
This course satisfies the Biology portion of the science graduation requirement.
AP Chemistry is a rigorous laboratory-based course designed to be equivalent to a general chemistry course at the college undergraduate level. The course focuses on states and structure of matter, chemical thermodynamics, physical behavior of gases, advanced stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, systems in chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, and the extensive use of reaction prediction as an analytical tool. In this second chemistry course, students engage in the foundations of chemistry from a much deeper mathematical perspective. Completing the experiments recommended by the College Board is an integral part of this course. Laboratory work emphasizes increased competency in solving chemical calculations and problems.
Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
This course satisfies the Biology portion of the science graduation requirement.
AP CHEMISTRY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONAP Chemistry is a rigorous laboratory-based course designed to be equivalent to a general chemistry course at the college undergraduate level. The course focuses on states and structure of matter, chemical thermodynamics, physical behavior of gases, advanced stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, systems in chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, and the extensive use of reaction prediction as an analytical tool. In this second chemistry course, students engage in the foundations of chemistry from a much deeper mathematical perspective. Completing the experiments recommended by the College Board is an integral part of this course. Laboratory work emphasizes increased competency in solving chemical calculations and problems.
Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
Course length: Full-year
The AP Environmental Science course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course helps students identify and analyze natural and human-induced environmental problems. It enables them to learn how to assess the risks associated with these problems and evaluate alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them. Students cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world through inquiry-based lab investigations and field work as they explore concepts like the four Big Ideas: energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability.
Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
COURSE DESCRIPTIONThe AP Environmental Science course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course helps students identify and analyze natural and human-induced environmental problems. It enables them to learn how to assess the risks associated with these problems and evaluate alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them. Students cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world through inquiry-based lab investigations and field work as they explore concepts like the four Big Ideas: energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability.
Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
Course length: Full-year
The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based is built around knowledge central to classical physics. Course content primarily draws from the following three areas: translational and rotational Newtonian mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, and momentum. A working knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required, especially as data analysis in the laboratory and solution strategies generally rely heavily on indispensable and reliable quantitative abilities. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts and the development of problem-solving skills.
Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
AP PHYSICS 1: ALGEBRA-BASED
COURSE DESCRIPTIONThe AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based is built around knowledge central to classical physics. Course content primarily draws from the following three areas: translational and rotational Newtonian mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, and momentum. A working knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required, especially as data analysis in the laboratory and solution strategies generally rely heavily on indispensable and reliable quantitative abilities. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts and the development of problem-solving skills.
Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
Prerequisite(s): Department recommendation
Course length: Full-year
