Advanced Placement

Students who take AP courses send a signal to colleges that they're serious about their education and that they're willing to challenge themselves with rigorous coursework. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time. Just taking the AP exam, regardless of the score, increases a student's chance of success in college. AP courses offer students the opportunity to dive into topics of specific interest, such as American history, literature, Spanish language and culture, and music theory. They learn to tap their creativity & problem-solving skills and learn study skills needed for college & career success.

The main advantage of taking an AP course is better preparation for college. It has been shown that students master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing AP courses in high school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college. 

• Students who take AP courses in Little Elm ISD receive weighted grade points in the AP course. 
• Students who succeed on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school, saving both time and money. Some parents have saved the equivalent of a full year of college and total living expenses for their student. 
• Scoring well on an AP exam can fulfill the requirements of the Texas Distinguished Academic Program (DAP).

Should I commit to taking AP Exams?

Your AP scores could earn you college credit or advanced placement (meaning you could skip certain courses in college). Credit is awarded by universities and colleges based on performances on the AP exams administered every year in May. Scores range from No Recommendation (score of 1) to Extremely Qualified (score of 5).  Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit, but most consider a score of at least three (3) as qualifying.  Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test.  Students should contact individual colleges to find out about their policies.

Use the AP Credit Policy Search tool to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores.

AP Credit Policy Search

Pre-AP courses cover the same TEKS as on-level courses. However, the instruction and lessons are designed in such a way to challenge motivated students with critical thinking skills, promote reading comprehension, provide ample opportunities for higher order questioning and problem solving, and prepare them for success in Advanced Placement (AP) and college-level coursework.

Any Little Elm ISD student may enroll in a Pre-AP and/or AP course. Instruction, materials, and assessment in these classes typically focus on developing skills in analyzing content, drawing comparisons, and problem reasoning. Students will also participate in critical reading instruction and develop the skill to an independent level. Writing instruction in Pre-AP/AP classes will assist students in the abilities to prepare clear, concise essays. All of these skills are transferable to higher education and study beyond high school, and are usually considered college-level skills. Students who are motivated and willing to exercise self-disciplined study to become advanced in a subject area are encouraged to enroll in Pre-AP/AP classes, as they are an excellent forum for academic preparation and advanced study.

The Texas Distinguished Academic Program (DAP) is the advanced high school program for Texas students.  The program is based on students completing the 26-credit recommended Little Elm ISD high school program.  In addition to those credits, students must complete advanced measures at the college or professional level that are assessed by outside evaluators.  In order to achieve this distinguished recognition, students must complete any combination of four advanced measures listed below: 

• Earn a score of 3 or above on a College Board AP exam (Each exam score counts as one measure);
• A core on the PSAT that qualifies a student for recognition as a Commended Scholar or higher;
• A grade of 3.0 or higher on courses that count for college credit;
• Complete original project or research judged by a panel of professionals in the field that is the focus of the project or an appropriate audience (no more than 2 research projects can count toward the advanced measures).
• Freshmen entering in 2023-24 school year must also score Advanced High on the STAAR EOC tests in Algebra II and English III.