UPDATED PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT/AP SELECTION PROCESS

Our Pre-Advanced Placement/AP program has undergone a significant review during the past year and a number of changes are in place for 2021-2022. As previously announced, Grade 9 Pre-AP options are no longer offered, in part due to the implementation of de-streamed math and science courses. Pre-AP Math will be an option for students starting in Grade 10, while Pre-AP Chemistry and Physics options are available starting in Grade 11.

The process to participate in our pre-AP and Advanced Placement program has also changed significantly, starting with our current course selection cycle. You are no longer required to apply to these courses, but will instead select these options directly when choosing your courses. The math and science departments will then review all Pre-AP/AP class lists to establish that prerequisite conditions have been met including: academic history, previous Pre-AP/AP courses, required knowledge and teacher recommendations. Those not meeting the prerequisites will be placed in the appropriate academic or university-level course.

A reminder that Pre-AP/Advanced Placement courses are intended for students who are notably passionate in those particular subject areas and seek further challenges beyond the traditional academic or university-level curriculum. Students considering these courses should demonstrate consistent academic strength in these subject areas, as the pace of these courses and depth of course work is intended to be demanding.

If you wish to enroll in our Pre-AP/Advanced Placement courses, please select from the following course codes (codes end in “W” instead of “I”):

Grade 10:

  • MPM2DW (replaces 2DI) – requires MTH1WI (recommended level 4+ across math units)

Grade 11:

  • MCR3UW & MHF4UW (2 credit package – students MUST select both) – requires MPM2DI and independent transition course or MPM2DW
  • SCH3UW (replaces SCH3UI) – requires SNC2DI
  • SPH3UW (replaces SPH3UI) – requires SNC2DI

Grade 12:

  • MCV4UW (requires completion of MHF4UW)
  • SCH4UW (requires SCH3UI/W) SPH4UW (requires SPH4UI/W)

If you require additional information, please contact your guidance counsellor or speak with your science or math teacher.

Our pre-AP and advanced placement courses are built on our academic and university level courses, adding more in-depth units of study while accelerating course content.  Students have the opportunity to experience enriched, intensive study in their subjects of interest and strength, while preparing themselves for the knowledge and background equivalents to first-year university study during their grade 12 year (AP level courses).

  • NEW FOR 2021-2022 – based on recommendations from the review of the AP program during the 2019/2020 academic year and due to the Ministry of Education’s directive to reorient Grade 9 programming for September 2021, changes to the LHSS pre-AP/AP program are as follows:
    • MATH – will commence in grade 10
    • SCIENCE – will commence in grade 11 for Physics and Chemistry
    • This will allow teachers, as subject specialists, to better support the student’s application and their opportunity for success.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) program offers students the opportunity to pursue university-level studies while still in high school.
  • Students can earn credits for many universities and colleges in Canada and the USA.
  • Enrolling in Pre-AP courses prepares students for success in senior (grade 12) Advanced Placement courses (Calculus, Chemistry & Physics)
  • Pre-AP extends the current curriculum and enriches specific learning outcomes.
  • NOTE – LHSS also offers Enriched French in grade 9-12 for students coming from French Immersion programs.
  • Although Pre-AP extends the curriculum, evaluation is based on the regular academic Ontario curriculum.
  • Visit our Pre-AP/AP page for more information.

Based on a student’s performance on optional AP exams (typically written in spring of grade 12), they may earn a transfer credit, advanced placement or both for that subject in first-year university.  Where applicable, each university decides independently how to recognize successful completion of AP courses/exams and has clear AP policies which students can access through university websites or our own guidance counsellors.

AP courses cover BOTH Ontario curriculum and AP content.  Students’ final course marks are based on their demonstration of knowledge of the Ontario curriculum.  Evaluation of AP content occurs during the final standardized exam written in grade 12.

Students should consider pre-AP courses (grades 10-11) as more of a mindset than an actual destination stream.  The focus of these courses should be on developing the skills and habits needed for success in grade 12 AP courses, including inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity, communication and collaboration.  Courses are designed to tap into students’ genuine passions for subject content while providing an enriched environment for those seeking an extra challenge beyond academic or university level.