AP vs IB: Which Advanced Program is Right for Your Child?

As high school program applications open, many families are exploring options that challenge and inspire their child academically. Among the most recognized pathways are the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IBDP) programs, both of which offer enriched learning opportunities, global recognition and strong preparation for post-secondary success.

Specialized academic experiences are one of the key pillars of the HDSB’s fulsome student experience model, a belief that individual student success is achieved through a culmination of key elements to prepare students for post-secondary life. 

While AP and IB share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in structure, teaching approach and learning experience. Understanding these key differences can help families choose the path that best suits their child’s interests and goals.

What is Advanced Placement (AP)?

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.

There are multiple opportunities for students in Grade 9-12 to participate in the Advanced Placement program:

AP Preparatory Courses, Self-Study and Exams

AP preparatory courses are offered as Grade 10, Grade 11 or Grade 12 opportunities, delivered through the Ontario course curriculum, covering first-year university course content. 

This model provides a strong foundation for students who plan to write an AP Exam later or who simply want to deepen their learning and strengthen post-secondary skills.

Course offerings may vary by school, as they are developed in response to student interest, community feedback and teacher expertise.

All secondary schools offering Advanced Placement Exams provide opportunities for students to write AP exams through self-study, where students prepare completely independently. All students registered in the HDSB for the 2026-27 can participate in AP Exams through the self-study model, regardless of which HDSB school they are enrolled in.

AP exams take place in May and are typically 2-3 hours in length. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Prep

The AP Prep Program is a Grade 9 entry opportunity that provides students with an early start in developing the curiosity, habits of mind, and independence that lead to success in future Advanced Placement courses and exams and beyond. Like all HDSB programming, AP Prep is built on Ontario’s world-class curriculum, earning their Grade 9 and 10 credits while engaging in enriched learning that emphasizes inquiry, analysis, and real-world application.

From the beginning, AP Prep focuses on independent learning skills, goal-setting and time management, the same skills valued in university and future careers. At its heart, AP Prep is about cultivating independent, confident and curious learners who take charge of their success throughout high school and beyond.

Students learn to research effectively, organize ideas and problem-solve creatively, gaining confidence to take ownership of their learning. AP Prep builds a strong foundation for Grades 11–12 AP Preparatory courses and future AP Exams.

As each HDSB school reflects its own community, AP Prep offerings vary, developed in response to student interest, community feedback and teacher expertise.

Families interested in the Grade 9 AP Prep Program are encouraged to apply and connect with their local school for details on available courses.

Application forms can be completed online for both HDSB students and external students. 

AP at the HDSB

HSDB offers the longest-standing and widely accessible 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 there is no charge to participate in AP Courses and/ or AP Self Study; AP Exams have a fee of $140 - $200. 

AP is offered at the following HDSB schools:

Courses, Exams and Self-Study

• Abbey Park HS (Oakville)

• Dr. Frank J. Hayden SS (Burlington)

• Elsie MacGill  SS (Milton)

• Iroquois Ridge HS (Oakville)

• Oakville Trafalgar HS (Oakville)

AP-Prep, Courses, Exams and Self-Study

• Acton District School (Acton)

• Aldershot School (Burlington)

• Garth Webb SS (Oakville)

• Milton District HS (Milton)

• Nelson HS (Burlington)

• T.A. Blakelock HS (Oakville)

Vera Qian, a Grade 12 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School, has pursued Advanced Placement courses and exams in several areas of interest to her. She is currently taking AP Biology, Economics and Advanced Functions, has completed AP US History last year and has also self-studied for AP exams that weren't offered as a course at her school, such as Psychology, Environmental Science and French Language & Culture.

"The best part of taking AP courses is that I am able to learn about topics I am interested in alongside equally motivated students and passionate teachers," Qian says. "With AP, I also enjoy the flexibility I have. You can pick and choose the courses you'd like to be AP as well as the exams you can self-study for if not offered at our school already."

What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognized two-year program offered in Grades 11 and 12 that challenges students to excel both academically and personally. Through a rigorous curriculum, students explore subjects in depth while developing advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Recognized by universities in more than 110 countries, the IBDP provides graduates with advantages such as advanced standing, course credits, and/ or scholarships. Students who successfully complete the program earn both the IB Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Designed to prepare students for success in university and beyond, the IBDP emphasizes critical thinking, research, global awareness and personal growth. In addition to completing courses across six subject areas, students engage in three unique core components:

Theory of Knowledge (ToK) – exploring the nature of knowledge

Extended Essay (EE) – an independent research project

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) – experiential learning through community engagement and personal development. 

To ensure students are well-prepared, all HDSB IB schools offer an IBDP Prep Program in Grades 9 and 10 at no cost to students/ families. This preparatory pathway builds strong academic foundations and inquiry skills, helping students thrive in the challenges and opportunities of the Diploma Programme.

Application forms can be completed online for both HDSB students and external students. 

IB at the HDSB

The HDSB is proud to offer the longest-standing and widely accessible International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the Halton region.

For nearly 20 years, HDSB students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) have consistently achieved top results, with some earning the rare distinction of perfect scores across all six subject areas, along with an ‘A’ in both the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay—an accomplishment attained by only 1–2% of IB Diploma recipients worldwide.

The IB program is offered at:

• ​Burlington Central High School in Burlington​ 

• ​​Craig Kielburger Secondary School in Milton​​ 

• ​Georgetown District High School in Georgetown​ 

• White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville

Caden Chen is a Grade 12 student at White Oaks Secondary School who completed the IBDP Prep and IB program. “I'd say the best thing for me was becoming a more self-directed learner and taking ownership of my education,” he says. “Also, you're put into an environment where everyone around you is ambitious and wants to do their very best. The habits I built (like independent learning, looking for resources and questions) will definitely stay with me in university.”

While the program is academically rigorous, Chen says that being a part of the specialized program did not prevent him from having the fulsome student experience the HDSB is proud to offer. 

“IB doesn't mean you have to study 24/7. You'll definitely need to focus more on academics, but you'll still have time to join clubs, pursue hobbies and play sports.”

AP vs IB at a glance

Choosing the right fit

When deciding between AP and IB, families should consider their child’s learning style, goals and interests.

Students who enjoy focusing on particular subjects or who prefer flexibility may find AP a better match. Those who thrive in discussion-based learning, research and connecting ideas across disciplines may be drawn to IB’s holistic approach.

The ultimate goal of specialized programs is to offer students opportunities to choose the best method of learning to meet their needs. Both programs develop valuable skills, including time management, analytical thinking and academic confidence, that prepare students for success in university and beyond.

Learn more

Families can learn more about AP and IB programs by visiting school websites, attending upcoming open houses or speaking with guidance counselors.

Applications for specialized secondary programs, including AP and IB, are now open for the 2026-27 school year.

For more information, visit the Advanced Placement webpage and the International Baccalaureate webpage on hdsb.ca.