Advanced Placement (AP)

The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program allows high school students to pursue university-level studies while earning Ontario credits.  AP courses are Ontario Curriculum courses enhanced with AP-aligned content, concepts, and skills that mirror what is taught in first-year university courses.

Students may also choose to write an AP exam in May to potentially earn advanced standing or university credit at recognized postsecondary institutions in Canada and over 60 other countries.

  • Builds confidence and readiness for postsecondary studies through critical thinking, time management, and academic rigour.

  • Enhances learning by exploring content at greater depth.

  • Provides flexibility (students may choose to engage with just one course or many)

  • University recognition: A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam may lead to credit, advanced standing, or both, depending on post-secondary institution and program (students can search each university’s AP credit policy here.)

  • Exposure to degree-level expectations while still in high school

For the 2026-27 school year: 

The above classes are Ontario curriculum courses with AP-aligned content and skill development embedded in instruction.  Though students are solely evaluated on Ontario Curriculum expectations, the courses will be taught at an accelerated pace and increased academic rigour (see next page for details).  Thus, students are recommended to only take one or two AP courses in a given school year.  Students enrolled in these courses will decide whether or not they write the associated AP exam in May.

  • Student achievement in AP courses is evaluated solely on Ontario Curriculum expectations.

  • AP-aligned content is integrated to deepen learning, not assessed as a separate component.

  • Final grades reflect the Ontario course mark only.  AP exam results are reported independently and do not influence the course grade.

In addition to the AP Calculus (AB and BC), AP Biology, and AP Chemistry Exams, IRHS offers a variety of other AP Exams that students can register and self-study for.  Self-study allows students to pursue a passion in a subject area that is not yet offered as a formal AP course at our school.  The list of exam options may vary from year to year, depending on student enrollment and program constraints.  

Please note: Only active IRHS students are eligible to register for AP Exams.  Students may register for a maximum of four (4) exams each.

 

When do AP exams take place?

Exams are written each May.  The schedule is set by College Board Canada (AP Governing body); exams are standardized and must be written at the assigned date/time.

Registration for AP Courses for each school year will occur during our school’s normal course selection process in February.  

Though AP Exams are written in May, the College Board requires schools to order exams in early November. Therefore, each year, the school’s AP Coordinator will communicate registration processes and deadlines through school announcements.  In October, students will:

  1. Make full payment through SchoolCashOnline.

Complete the AP Exam Registration Google Form (to be linked in September 2026)

For the 2026/27 school year, there is no fee for students to participate in AP Courses.

In October, students pay a fee of $160-$200* per exam when they register for AP exams. These fees cover the College Board exam fee, local supervision, and program costs. This fee is non-refundable due to the structure of the College Board. 

NOTE:  Fees for 2026-27 are being finalized by the HDSB.

College Board AP Students Page     

College Board AP Students FAQ Page

 

IRHS AP Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Smith (smithand@hdsb.ca)