Advanced Placement

For over twenty years of Denver School of the Arts’ students have distinguished themselves through exemplary performance on the AP examinations. They have benefited from the competitive applications, advanced standing, and college credit that generally occur as a result of participation in the program. DSA encourages all students to take the most rigorous academic program of which they are capable. For many, this will include participation in AP classes at DSA and completing the AP exam in May: the “AP Program.”

The Advanced Placement Program consists of courses and tests developed by The College Board. These courses are designed to offer high school students the opportunity to experience college-level work. Students signing up for AP courses must be prepared for a very rigorous course of study that is equivalent to first year college work. By earning an acceptable score on the exams, students may earn college credit. Each college and university has its own advanced placement policy which dictates how AP scores are handled in allowing credit toward graduation. Students taking multiple AP courses are encouraged to carefully evaluate the total workload they are choosing. Students taking three or more AP courses at Denver School of the Arts should expect a workload equal to that of freshmen at a selective college. Additionally, there is a financial commitment on the part of the student/family when choosing to take AP classes, including purchasing textbooks and exam fees.