- Regular classes are scored on a 4.0 scale. There is no summer work expected.
- Honors classes are scored on a weighted 5.0 scale. The course is harder. It is geared for the student who wants to delve further into the subject. Summer work is sometimes expected.
- AP (Advanced Placement) classes are a college level version of the course, taught at CHS, by a Chaparral teacher. There is typically summer work expected prior to the start of the course. In May of the course, students across the country are all tested on the AP exam, a nationally standardized test. The test is scored 1-5. A score of 3 is considered to be passing; 4 and 5 are better scores and typically can earn college credit. When the student is accepted to a college or university, that school looks at the transcript, SATs, ACTs, and AP scores, if applicable. If the student did well enough on the AP test, the college may waive the student from an entry level course and/or may award college credits. One benefit is that it can save the student/family money. You do not have to pay for the college credit; you merely have to pay for the AP exam.
The more weighted courses taken and successfully passed, the higher the GPA. The weighted GPA determines the class rank for current juniors and seniors. The current senior class has a top GPA of 5.0. The student who only takes regular classes will aspire to earn a 4.0. Honors and/or AP students will be aspiring to get closer to a 5.0.
If you are a very strong student, try some honors classes. Take the classes that are of most interest to you, while also keeping in mind balance. We do not limit the number of advanced courses taken as that is an individual decision.
