Niagara Catholic offers high school students in Grades 9-12 the opportunity to take post-secondary level courses while still in high school through the Advanced Placement Program.
The program is available at five Niagara Catholic high schools:
- Blessed Trinity
- Holy Cross
- Lakeshore Catholic
- Notre Dame College School
- Saint Paul
What is AP?
The Advanced Placement (AP) program is designed to give students the experience of intro-level post-secondary classes in high school and to provide the possibility of earning post-secondary credits. It is delivered in 60 countries and is recognized by 5,800 post-secondary schools in the US and 60 universities in Canada, including 24 universities in Ontario.
The Advanced Placement Preparatory (APP) Courses (Grades 9-11) begin to prepare students for potential Advance Placement Courses and exams in Grade 12.
Why participate?
Niagara Catholic follows the Ontario curriculum as we support students through their formal education to their next journey, whether it is post-secondary education, an apprenticeship, or the working world. We support all students on their journey and help students grow into confident learners equipped with the critical thinking skills they need for life beyond high school. The AP Program offers students the chance to study programs in-depth and to participate in higher-level learning.
There are many benefits to taking AP courses, including:
- Confidence Building: Students will be familiar with post-secondary level work and success will boost their confidence.
- Skill Development: Time management, critical thinking, collaboration and research, scholarly writing – AP courses help hone the skills required in post-secondary and beyond.
- Pathway Planning Opportunities: Niagara Catholic students who participate in AP classes have another pathway opportunity to be successful.
- Discover Passion: Studying a subject in-depth gives students new insight and may even put them on the path to a career.
- Earn a University Credit: A student’s AP score could earn them a credit in university before they even set foot on campus. This could save them money and time in post-secondary school.
Who can participate?
Any high school student who is willing and academically prepared to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum will be considered for admission to AP courses. Niagara Catholic believes all students who meet these criteria should be considered for placement. We are committed to ensuring students in the AP Program reflect the diversity of our school communities.
Who teaches it?
Niagara Catholic teachers participating in the AP Program received AP training so they can successfully deliver the courses. AP courses support the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations.