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Advanced Placement (AP)

What is Advanced Placement?

Advanced Placement (AP) is the most widespread university preparation program in the world, recognized by universities in Canada, the United States and in over 60 countries around the world. AP courses offer university-level content to students in secondary school, allowing students to study topics in greater depth, supporting the development of strong academic skills in research, critical thinking and time management. Some university admissions teams view AP participation as evidence of preparedness and commitment and students are provided the opportunity to explore subjects they are passionate about at a deeper level than standard secondary courses. 

Based on their performance on rigorous AP Exams, students can also earn transfer credit, advanced placement or both for college or university.  By participating in Advanced Placement, students may save time and university tuition fees and are much better prepared for the rigours of post-secondary education.  Exams are accepted by 90% of all North American universities and are recognized among the top institutions around the globe. These include, but are not limited to, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Princeton, University College Dublin, University of Glasgow, University of Oxford. 

Why HDSB is the BEST choice for AP

  • HSDB offers the longest-standing and most robust AP program in the Halton region, preparing thousands of students for AP Exams through both self-study and Senior AP Course offerings and earning AP advanced standing in postsecondary school programs across the globe

  • Every student in the HDSB  is  welcome and encouraged to participate in the AP Program and these is no charge to participate in AP Courses and/ or AP Self Study; AP Exams have a fee of $140

  • Many Gr. 9-12 HDSB students successfully completed AP Exams, earning the highest level standings in these examinations

  • Depending on student interest, HDSB secondary schools offer AP Prep, AP Courses, AP Self Study & AP Exams

  • AP Self-Study and AP Exams are available to any student registered in the HDSB

HDSB Advanced Placement Programs

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP courses are offered at the Grade 11 and/ or Grade 12 levels and include Ontario course curriculum and first year university level course content. Specific course offerings differ amongst HDSB secondary schools depending on local student interest and needs, and allow students to deeply explore subjects they are passionate about. Students may participate in an AP course without completing the AP Exam.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

AP Exams take place in May and are typically 2-3 hours in length. Students may prepare for an AP Exam by taking an AP Course (Grade 11 and/ or 12) or Self-Study. Students in Grade 9 and 10 successfully write AP exams although it is often recommended for students to write AP exams in Grade 11 or 12. Students interested in writing an AP exam should share this interest with their school’s AP Coordinator/ Guidance Counsellor in the early fall.

Advanced Placement (AP) Self Study 

All secondary schools offering Advanced Placement Exams provide opportunities for students to write AP exams through Self Study. This may include students preparing for exams completely independently, providing students access to self study materials, offering group study sessions and/ or the opportunity for students to participate in an AP Club for tutoring and support. All students registered in the HDSB can participate in AP Self-Study in order to prepare for AP Exams. AP Exams will then take place in May at a test centre school location. Many HDSB students achieve excellent AP exam results through Advanced Placement Self Study opportunities. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Prep

The Advancement Placement Prep Program is offered in some HDSB secondary schools at the Grade 9 and 10 level. Students have the opportunity to select AP Prep courses in subject areas of interest to them, providing unique learning experiences in preparation for AP courses and exams. 

Where are Advanced Placement Programs offered?

AP Self Study and AP Exams are available to any student registered in the HDSB.

Secondary Schools Offering AP Courses/ AP Self Study & AP Exams include:

How to apply?

AP Self Study and AP Exams are available to any student registered in the HDSB. Information will be shared at the start of the 2026-2027 to all students interested in pursuing AP Self Study and AP Exams, to ensure they are well prepared to participate in the AP examination process.  All students are welcome and encouraged to prepare for and complete AP Exams.

Depending on student interest, some secondary schools may offer AP Prep and/or AP Courses, as well as opportunities for AP Self Study and AP exams, as part of their academic program. Each secondary school will provide specific information on how students can participate in these options. Families whose child wishes to attend a secondary school that offers these AP program offerings, but is not their designated home school, must complete an Out of Area Transfer Request Application.

Additional information:

Advanced Placement Program – For Parents & Guardians – College Board

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