Advanced Academics

Advanced Placement Program & Dual Credit Courses

The most important predictor of college success is an academically rigorous high school experience. Rigorous coursework in elementary and middle school provides students with the foundation to complete college-level coursework in high school. The opportunity to develop college readiness is the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) offered by the College Board and the Dual Credit program in partnership with Navarro College. These two academically rigorous pathways provide students with the option to complete college-level coursework in high school and to prepare to be successful in college. 

Benefits of PreAP, AP, and Dual Credit for Students

• Prepare for success in college by taking college-level courses while still in high school 
• Explore advanced topics — study in greater depth 
• Develop advanced skills — form disciplined study habits 
• Build confidence in the capability to succeed in college, opportunities to earn awards and scholarships, and improve chances of college admission opportunities to earn college credit or advanced placement 
• Possible tuition savings 
• Appropriate placement in college courses 
• Flexibility to pursue a double major in college, combined B.A./M.A. programs, and study abroad options

The Advanced Placement Program and Dual Credit focus on three critical goals 

• Increasing rigor 
• Promoting equity 
• Developing critical knowledge and skills 

WISD strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs by allowing all willing and academically prepared students to participate in AP.

Preparation for PreAP, AP, and Dual Credit Courses

• Academic preparation: willingness to work hard 
• Motivation: determination to succeed

When a student takes the AP exam in May, students who earn a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam outperform non-AP students in college: they earn more credits, get higher grades, are more likely to return to college for a second year, and are more likely to earn a degree.

WISD strongly believes that Pre-AP, AP, and Dual Credit courses provide enhanced academic opportunities for all students; the district also recognizes that students may struggle academically.  WISD encourages students and parents to monitor grades closely during the grading periods. If a student begins to struggle, it is encouraged that a parent/teacher conference is scheduled to create strategies to be implemented over a period of time that will aid in the student's success.