Explore Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement (AP) program empowers students to transform their natural curiosity into deep, advanced content knowledge. By engaging in comprehensive, high-level coursework, students cultivate sharp critical thinking and sophisticated research skills necessary to navigate complex academic landscapes. AP both fosters a culture of independent learning and prepares students to take ownership of their education today so they can lead tomorrow. Ultimately, this academic expertise does more than just prepare them for the future. It unlocks a world of flexibility and choice, giving them the freedom to tailor their unique educational journeys.
Select a topic below to learn more about the Advanced Placement (AP) program, available pathways and how students can customize their AP journey.
How It Works: Your Path, Your Choice
The Advanced Placement (AP) program is built on flexibility and choice, allowing you to tailor your academic experience to match your unique goals and curiosity.
At its core, the program consists of two distinct components: comprehensive, high-level courses and a final written exam held in May. Because we value independent learning, these two components do not have to go hand in hand. You have the freedom to choose the path that best prepares you for the future.
Here is how you can customize your AP journey in your senior years.
Take the Course + Write the Exam
This is the traditional route. You immerse yourself in the classroom coursework to develop deep, advanced content knowledge, cultivate critical thinking, and build sophisticated research skills necessary to navigate complex academic landscapes.
In May, you write the AP exam to showcase your academic expertise.
Take the Course Only
Enrolling in an AP course does not require you to write the AP exam. If your primary goal is to challenge yourself, dive deep into a subject you love, and foster strong academic habits without the pressure of the final standardized test, you can absolutely take the course on its own.
Write the Exam Only
You do not need to be enrolled in an AP course to choose to write the exam. If you are a highly motivated, independent learner who has learned the material through self-study or outside coursework, you can opt to register and write the AP exam directly to demonstrate your knowledge and unlock future academic options.
The Details: AP Prep
The Academic Delivery
Once enrolled, students earn the Grade 9 or 10 Ontario Curriculum credits. They learn and are assessed on the same provincial curriculum material, but the teacher builds in extensions, such as developing deeper curiosity about a topic, building complex problem-solving skills, and cultivating independent learning habits.
Core Skill Accumulation
The primary goal of the Prep years is the development of "habits of mind." Students focus intensely on time management, critical thinking, and collaborative data analysis. They are coached on how to study and handle complex texts, supporting the transition to senior-level courses.
The Seamless Transition
With a strong foundation built, students exit the AP Prep program ready to select formal Grade 11 and 12 Advanced Placement courses. They move into the senior tier possessing the academic stamina and analytical skills needed to succeed with first-year university material and the subsequent optional May AP Exams.
Schools Offering AP Prep
Select a school below to visit the school's website and learn more about its Advanced Placement programming.
The Details: AP Courses
One Course, Two Layers
Students enroll in a standard Ontario Ministry of Education course (e.g., Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors). The teacher delivers 100% of the Ontario curriculum while weaving in first-year university-level extensions and depth into the daily lessons.
The Optional AP Exam
In May, students have the option to write a standardized, external AP Exam scored from 1 to 5. This exam is completely separate from their regular high school report card grade and does not affect their Ontario final mark.
Claiming University Credit
If a student scores well on the May exam (typically a 3, 4, or 5 depending on the institution), they can present that score to universities worldwide to earn university transfer credits or bypass introductory first-year classes.
Schools Offering AP Courses
Select a school below to visit the school's website and learn more about its Advanced Placement programming.
The Details: AP Self-Study
Selecting the Subject & Accessing Resources
The student decides which AP Exam they wish to challenge independently. They connect with their home school's guidance office or AP Coordinator to gain access to official College Board digital study tools, independent prep resources, or a school-based AP club/peer tutoring group.
The Fall Exam Sign-Up
Even though the exam is months away, students must register and pay for their AP Exam in October. HDSB coordinates exam orders early to meet the College Board's strict autumn deadline. The student fills out the board registration form and pays the exam fee to secure their test booklet.
The Independent Preparation Window
The student manages their own study schedule throughout the school year. They do not receive a high school class mark, report card comment, or dedicated class period for this subject.
Challenging the Exam
The student travels to a designated HDSB AP test center school to write the standardized, external exam. The test is administered under strict international proctoring guidelines and is scored globally on a scale of 1 to 5.
Results and University Transfer Credit
The College Board releases scores directly to the student in July. If the student achieves a qualifying mark (typically a 3, 4, or 5), they can send this score to universities to claim advanced standing or transfer credits.
Application Process
All students are welcome to enrol in an Advanced Placement Program.
Grade 8 to Grade 9
Students transitioning from Grade 8 to Grade 9 must complete the application process to confirm their intent to register in the program.
If school space is limited, a randomized selection process will occur.
Course Selection
In Grades 10–12, all students may enroll in the Advanced Placement Courses offered at the school as a part of the regular course selection process.
Additional details regarding AP exam registration will take place at the school. AP Exams are available to all students registered in HDSB secondary schools.
