Thunderbird Adventist Academy offers several AP classes, such as AP English and AP Chemistry. How AP classes are different from a regular class, and how are they beneficial if we take them? We have asked a group of students and faculty many of these questions for you.

 Mrs. Warren says, “AP classes give a variety for students who are academically motivated or want a challenge.”  It allows the students to possibly not take a course in college if they do well on the test at the end of the year. Even if the students don’t pass the test, they will still be better prepared for college. The classes are more challenging and they require more time and effort. All of the AP classes and honors classes are based on a 5.0 scale.  In order to be able to teach an AP class you need to be certified by the collage board, and have a master in the subject, plus go through an AP course. Students in AP class do well, but only a few of them may get college credit.

I asked Katy La Court who takes AP chemistry and AP English if the classes are difficult. She said that, “If you put the time into it, it could be easy. It requires a lot of studying outside of class.” Stephanie Larson said, “They (AP Classes) are challenging, and take up a lot of time, but in the end you will learn a lot more. Andrew Philipson states that “The English AP class is challenging, but not overwhelmingly difficult, because I have a strong background in English and am going to major in it in college.”

AP classes can add a lot of time and extra homework to your day, but by taking them you learn a lot more and have smaller classes. Whether or not you take the test at the end of the year you will feel better prepared for college next year.