Why Don't We Offer APs?
by Mark Silver , Hillbrook Head of School
One of the biggest questions I have received since we launched the Upper School is why we have embraced an advanced studies program.
Typically, of course, that’s not the way the question is asked.
No, most people want to know, “Why don’t you offer APs?”
The question usually reflects two core beliefs. One, that the best schools have AP programs. Two, that students have to take APs in order to get into the best colleges. Underlying the beliefs for many people is their own high school experience, in which AP courses were the hardest courses in their school and students who went to top colleges took these courses.
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Over the last 18 months, as we have shared our program, I have tried to provide the context in which we have made the decision to design an Advanced Studies program instead of APs. In particular, I have shared with people the following: If you look at the top high schools in the Bay Area as identified by Niche magazine, the top six schools, and nine of the top 10, do not have AP programs. These nine schools, all independent school peers of Hillbrook that reflect the type of high school we are designing, have strong college placement records and offer without question academically rigorous programs. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say, that over the past 10-15 years, the best schools in the country have moved away from the AP program, replacing it with the type of Advanced Studies program that we are designing.
Why have schools moved away from APs? Because, as Lick-Wilmerding High School explained when announcing its decision a decade ago, “the AP program has become a limiting, rather than an enriching, factor.” They go on to explain that the advanced studies program will allow their teacher to create innovative, rigorous courses that are: “(1) relevant, compelling and impelling, (2) that are aligned with current knowledge and best practice in their fields, and (3) that reflect teachers’ particular passions and the School’s mission.” Other schools across the Bay Area and country have offered similar rationales.
Curious to know more? If you are a member of the Hillbrook community, Head of Upper School Michael Peller and Director of College Counseling Charlotte (Charley) Burkly will be doing a deeper dive at this week's Community Coffee.
Keep reading or listen to the episode on Mark's blog here.
Student success coach helping young people connect with their purpose and what brings them joy II Champion of community arts
10 个月I think what is also not commented on enough in the AP conversation is that many AP classes do not at all replicate what a college class is like. The AP history classes that I took as a high school student were devoid of meaningful discussion or projects because teachers felt the need to cram classes with info that was geared towards taking the tests rather than any deeper engagement. In no class in college did I sit quietly and furiously scribble notes and take a test based on just that info. As a result i was unprepared to do real college level work. Are people also aware that students don’t have to take an AP class to take an AP test if the worry is missing out on the opportunity to pass out of classes in college. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/help-center/can-i-take-ap-exam-if-i-havent-taken-ap-course#:~:text=Yes.,AP%20can%20take%20AP%20Exams.
Director of Instructional Technology & Maker Education at Pinewood School
11 个月Parents will wonder why no APs, but educators will praise this approach. It’s the correct decision.
Educator helping people become creatively confident human beings who question incessantly, explore fearlessly, and learn deeply.
11 个月Grant Lichtman … I think you were the first person I remember talking about this, then the crew at Mt. Vernon, and now I find that Holbrook’s doing it too! This is a great read.