Anonymous wrote:Does it hurt admissions options if they don’t take an AP history sophomore year or take a math class see you?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some AP art classes are available to freshman and sophomores- maybe I’m misunderstanding what you mean by ‘…going all the way through to AP with language and arts’?

Art, photography, computer graphics and ceramics all have AP courses for senior year that require 3 previous classes. Also, French, Spanish & Latin have AP options.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone help me figure this out?

7 classes per semester

For an advanced diploma, students need to take English, History, Math & Science each for 4 years. If they want to continue with a language all the way through, that means the 5th space is taken. Then, if they want to get to AP in their other (arts) elective, there is no room for any other classes, right?

In theory, they don't need any history class in 10th grade b/c they come out of middle with 1 credit, however, I don't know any family that skipped history in 10th grade. It's my understanding that the 11th and 12 grade history classes are mandatory. I also know PE opens up a space after sophomore year, but they have to add in Econ & I think I read that AP science classes take up 2 periods. Is that right? I'm just trying to make sure I understand that going all the way through to AP with language and arts means no other elective options the entire time if you chose an AP science. This is very different from my HS experience. Thanks!

Is a summer class out of the question? APS requires one virtual class, and many students take care of that by taking Econ/Finance in the summer, virtually. AP science does take 2 periods (class + lab). Depending on what math your student will have taken by that point, choosing a different elective senior year may be feasible. As would be taking it as the social studies class in 10th grade in place of history.

Some AP art classes are available to freshman and sophomores- maybe I’m misunderstanding what you mean by ‘…going all the way through to AP with language and arts’?

Something to think about- the advanced diploma track gives a good framework for students to take the classes and trajectories that many colleges want to see, but it doesn’t exist until graduation, and it isn’t something that is relayed to colleges beyond the class history that they see upon application. In fact, there was talk at the school board/superintendent level about doing away with the advanced diploma. Not sure what they would replace it with. If a student has specific interests that they expect to focus on beyond high school, it may make sense to focus on those even if it means varying from the advanced diploma track by a class or two. A meeting with or email to the YHS counseling department might be a good idea.

Anonymous wrote:Some AP art classes are available to freshman and sophomores- maybe I’m misunderstanding what you mean by ‘…going all the way through to AP with language and arts’?

Anonymous wrote:Can someone help me figure this out?

7 classes per semester

For an advanced diploma, students need to take English, History, Math & Science each for 4 years. If they want to continue with a language all the way through, that means the 5th space is taken. Then, if they want to get to AP in their other (arts) elective, there is no room for any other classes, right?

In theory, they don't need any history class in 10th grade b/c they come out of middle with 1 credit, however, I don't know any family that skipped history in 10th grade. It's my understanding that the 11th and 12 grade history classes are mandatory. I also know PE opens up a space after sophomore year, but they have to add in Econ & I think I read that AP science classes take up 2 periods. Is that right? I'm just trying to make sure I understand that going all the way through to AP with language and arts means no other elective options the entire time if you chose an AP science. This is very different from my HS experience. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:Here's the link with State of Virginia requirements. https://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/graduation/advanced_studies.shtml

It looks like you are right, with World Geography in 8th grade, only 3 more, but 2 must be US & VA Gov and US &VA History.

Don't forget about the sequential elective requirement.

Anonymous wrote:Hi-- my kid is at a private with similar requirements.

It's sad, but in today's world, the elective is often a tough AP class. The stress of 'rigor of schedule' and taking the most rigorous path the school offers and in comparison to peers has really changed. A kid is penalized for wanting to explore an elective which is deemed 'cake' by admissions.