CVHS offers the following AP Classes for the 2011-2012 school year:

AP English Language & Composition (11th grade)
Students who complete this course are prepared to take the Advanced Placement examination in English Language and Composition, and many earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved. Students study advanced composition and analysis of language at a level equivalent to that of a full-year introductory college course. In refining their awareness of language and the writer's craft, students write works of publishable quality. (Schools may offer this course, the Literature and Composition Advanced Placement English course, or both of these courses.) With principal's approval, this course will fulfill the English credit for the targeted grade level. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement English exam. (This is a Standards of Learning aligned course which is tested in 11th grade.)

AP English Literature & Composition (12th grade)
Students who complete this course are prepared to take the Advanced Placement examination in English Literature and Composition, and may earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved. Students study composition and literary analysis at a level equivalent to that of a full-year introductory college course. Through in-depth studies of literary works, students sharpen their awareness of language and their understanding of the writer's craft. They establish critical standards for appreciating and evaluating literature. Completion of this course fulfills the English 12 course requirement. Schools may offer this course, or the Language and Composition Advanced Placement English course, described in optional course offerings, or both of these courses. (All students are required to take the Advanced Placement English exam.)

AP Literature & Composition
Students who complete this course are prepared to take the Advanced Placement examination in English Literature and Composition, and many earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved. Students study composition and literary analysis at a level equivalent to that of a full-year introductory college course. Through in-depth studies of literary works, students sharpen their awareness of language and their understanding of the writer's craft. They establish critical standards for appreciating and evaluating literature. Completion of this course fulfills the English 12 course requirement. Schools may offer this course, or the Language and Composition Advanced Placement English course, described in optional course offerings, or both of these courses. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement English exam.

11th Grade AP American Civilization (231905)
Students consider the ways literature reflects history and the human experience as they refine their awareness of language and the writer's craft. They make connections between history and literature while examining the American experience. Students acquire factual knowledge and strengthen critical thinking skills by studying the political, economic, social, and cultural growth of the United States. Students study primary documents and engage in research and writing. They study traditional and contemporary American beliefs, values and characteristics. In this course, students receive one credit in Advanced Placement United States History and one credit in AP Language and Composition. Students are required to take both of the Advanced Placement exams.

AP European Civilization (239906)
Students who take this course will prepare for the AP English Literature and AP European History Exams. The combined course will examine the ideas which have shaped both the history and the writings from the Renaissance to the present. The course is designed to be a culminating event for seniors. Students will think, write and discuss the "big ideas" that originated in Europe, and from Europe have transformed the way the world thinks about itself, its values and its future. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement European History and Advanced Placement English Literature exams.

10th Grade AP World History (234004)
Advanced Placement World History is designed to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. Focused primarily on the past fifteen hundred years of the global experience, the course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage prior to 600. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement World History exam. This course may be used to satisfy the World History and Geography II requirement. Note: When taken as the World History and Geography 2 substitute course, the World History and Geography 2 SOL Test is required. The SOL Test is not given when AP World is taken as an elective. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

11th Grade AP U.S. History (231904)
In this course students develop the factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal with the issues and problems of American History. They do in-depth analysis of major developments; become familiar with primary sources; assess historical materials, evidence, and interpretations; and learn to write research papers. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement examination in American History for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made. The course is equal to a full-year introductory college course. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States History. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement United States History exam. Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

12th Grade AP Government (244504)
In the study of American government, students interpret national, state, and local government and politics through a study of both general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement examination for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States Government. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Government exam.

AP Combined US & Comparative Government (244567)
This course includes a study of comparative government as well as American government and politics. In the study of American government, students interpret national, state, and local government and politics through a study of both general concepts and specific case studies. In the study of comparative government, emphasis is placed on understanding the world's diverse political structures and practices, as well as on interpreting and analyzing the key political relationships found in national governments. This course prepares students to take both the Advanced Placement examination for United States Government and Politics and the Advanced Placement examination for Comparative Government for which college credit and/or placement may be given if qualifying scores are made. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States Government. Students in this course must take at least one of the two AP Government exams and may take both.

AP European History (239904)
The Advanced Placement Program in European History covers the basic chronology of events from 1450 to the present, from the High Renaissance to the recent past. Students are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of this basic chronology and of major events and trends in the intellectual-cultural, political-diplomatic and social-economic history of modern Europe. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate an ability to analyze historical evidence and to express that understanding and analysis in writing. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement examination in European History, for which college credit and/or placement is given if a qualifying score is achieved. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement European History exam.

AP Psychology (290204)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The aim of Advanced Placement Psychology is to provide the students with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in an introductory college psychology course. College credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made on the Advanced Placement examination. The rigorous course syllabus and college level texts both suggest that students who enroll should be highly motivated and intellectually curious. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam.

AP Macroecnomics (280304)
This course is designed to provide studetns with an understanding of the economic principles which apply to an economic system as a whole. Primary emphasis is placed on industries, national economics, performance indicators, and international economics. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Macroeconomics exam.

AP Microecnomics (280204)
This course is designed to provide studetns with an understanding of the principles of economics which apply to the functions of decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. Primary emphasis is placed on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Microeconomics exam.

AP Art: 2-D Design Portfolio (914804)
This course is designed for highly motivated, advanced art students who have demonstrated a serious interest in the study of art. Ideally suited for students who work well independently, the course will focus on the preparation of a two-dimensional design portfolio of artworks that exhibit quality, concentration in an area of visual interest or problem solving, and breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive means of an artist. The two-dimensional portfolio may include, but is not limited to, forms of artwork in graphic design, typography, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking. Students will submit two-dimensional portfolios based on objectives that reflect the format and requirements established by the College Board for Advanced Placement Studio Art. Advanced Placement college credit and/or placement may be awarded if a qualifying exam score is achieved. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Art: 2-D Design exam.

AP Art: 3-D Design Portfolio (914961)
This course is designed for highly motivated, advanced art students who have demonstrated a serious interest in the study of art. Ideally suited for students who work well independently, the course will focus on the preparation of a three-dimensional design portfolio of artworks that exhibit quality, concentration in an area of visual interest or problem solving, and breadth of experience in the formal, technical, and expressive means of an artist. The three-dimensional portfolio may include, but is not limited to, traditional sculpture, architectural models, ceramics, and three dimensional fiber arts or metal work. Students will submit three-dimensional portfolios based on objectives that reflect the format and requirements established by the College Board for Advanced Placement Studio Art. Advanced Placement college credit and/or placement may be awarded if a qualifying exam score is achieved. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Art: 3-D Design exam.

AP Art: Art History (915104)
Students develop an understanding of works of art within their historical context by examining issues such as politics, religion, patronage, gender, function, and ethnicity. The course also addresses visual analysis, aesthetics, and criticism. Students should demonstrate a high degree of commitment to academic work and possess academic skills needed to pursue a program designed to meet college standards. The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Art History examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be awarded if a qualifying score is achieved. Objectives for Advanced Placement courses reflect the format and requirements in the Advanced Placement Course Description for Art published by the College Board. No prior experience in art studio or art history is assumed. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Art History exam.

AP French Language (517004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring, for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the use of language for active communication. Specifically, they understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully, both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax, and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement French Language exam.

AP German Language (527004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring, for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the use of language for active communication. Specifically, they understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully, both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax, and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement German Language exam.

AP Spanish Language (557004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Language examination given each spring, for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is obtained. Students study the use of language for active communication. Specifically, they understand the spoken target language in both formal and conversational situations. They express ideas accurately and resourcefully, both orally and in writing, with reasonable fluency, and they develop a vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary literature, and other nontechnical writings. They receive extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions, review syntax, and study selected works by contemporary authors. Materials will include recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language exam.

AP Latin (537004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level if a qualifying score is achieved. Students study the literary techniques used by Roman authors, with emphasis on refining the student's ability to read and understand Latin poetry, and on comprehending and interpreting the readings from Vergil. Passages designated by the College Board syllabus of Vergil's Aeneid are read for comprehension and poetic meter. The passages are analyzed for content, connotation of words, and style. Students will study the life and times of Vergil, the poetic devices used in his writings, his influence on later writers, and the literary importance of the Aeneid. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Latin - Vergil exam.

AP Calculus AB (317004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement AB examination, for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level, if a qualifying score is obtained. Content of this college-level course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement Program for AB Calculus. It includes concepts and applications of differential and integral calculus, limits, and elementary differential equations. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Calculus BC (317704)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Calculus BC Advanced Placement examination, for which placement and/or credit may be awarded at the college level, if a qualifying score is obtained. Content of this college-level course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Calculus BC Advanced Placement Program. Content includes concepts and applications of differential and integral calculus, sequences and series, and elementary differential equations. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Computer Science A (318505)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science A examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given, if a qualifying score is achieved. Content of this college-level course corresponds to the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement Program for Computer Science A. Students will design software to solve problems and use data structures, such as classes and arrays, to represent information within a program. Students will also gain a working knowledge of the major hardware and software components of computer systems. Java is the main vehicle for implementing solutions to problems. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Statistics (319204)
Advanced Placement Statistics includes graphical and numerical techniques to study patterns and explore data, strategies for developing a plan to conduct a study based on data analysis, probability as tool for predicting distribution of data, and techniques of statistical inference. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP statistics examination may receive credit and/or advanced placement for a one-semester college statistics course. All students are required to take Advanced Placement exam.

AP Biology (437004)
After completing the core science curriculum, students pursue a more advanced and specialized study of biology topics with the intent of passing the AP Biology exam in May, for which college credit and/or placement may be granted by an approving institution if a qualifying score is achieved. Students conduct standard first year college-level laboratory research as well as analyze and interpret biological data. Students examine biology content with a molecular focus that includes the core theme of structure and function. Highlights include biotechnology such as electrophoresis and bacterial transformation, animal behavior studies and genetic studies. If dissections are part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Chemistry (477004)
Advanced Placement Chemistry represents a full year (two semesters) of college chemistry. The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second-year, laboratory-centered course that provides an opportunity for students to undertake a more comprehensive investigation of some aspects of chemistry than is usually possible in the first-year Chemistry I course. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Physics (457004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Physics C examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. Advanced Placement Physics is a second-level course which surveys a broad selection of physics topics at a level above Physics 1. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies in mechanics and electricity and magnetism. AP Physics C serves as the foundation in physics for students who wish to pursue physical science or engineering degrees. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Environmental Science (427004)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science and is designed to stress scientific principles and analysis. The course includes a laboratory component. Students examine how science is a process, how energy conversions underlie all ecological processes and how the Earth is one interconnected system. Students will explore how humans alter the natural system and the cultural and social context of environmental problems. Major topics include earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.

AP Music Theory (922604)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement music theory examination, with college credit and/or placement being awarded if a qualifying score is achieved. Students are given a solid foundation in intervals, pitch patterns, metric/rhythmic patterns, chords, and the terms that are part of a basic understanding of reading, performing, and listening to music. Analysis, elementary composition, aural skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony will also be studied. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Music Theory exam.

2009-2010 School Year

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) STATISTICS & INFORMATION

* 27 Advanced Placement courses were offered at CVHS in 2009- 2010

* 41% of all Centreville HS students were enrolled in AP classes

* CVHS students exceeded the AP National Average Passing Rates in the following disciplines:

Calculus AB by 24% Statistics by 27%

English Literature by 7% French by 45%

Latin by 4% European History by 26%

US Comparative Govt. by 28% US Government by 24%

US History by 4% World History by 34%

Psychology by 18% Physics by 8%

Studio Art by 31% Studio 2D by 32%

Studio 3D by 38%

* For the 2009 AP testing period CVHS exceeded: AP National Passage Rate by 8% AP Virginia Passage Rate by 5%