How Many AP Classes Should Your High School Student Take?

Welcome to The All A's Show! In today's blog post, we delve into the question that haunts many parents – how many AP (Advanced Placement) classes should their high school student take? Guided by the insights of Annie Adjan, a passionate advocate for helping teenagers realize their highest academic potential, we provide three critical questions to consider and three crucial points to bear in mind.

Three Essential Questions to Consider

1. Was your child identified as a "Gifted and Talented" student in elementary school? If your child was part of the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, it's a strong indicator that they may be ready for the rigorous demands of AP classes.

2. How are your student's grades? If your student is maintaining an A/B average without external tutoring, they're likely equipped for the challenge of more advanced coursework.

3. How strong are your student's executive functioning skills? If your child stays organized, turns in quality homework on time, and does not need your constant help, they are demonstrating the strong executive skills that form the foundation for academic success.

To help you understand how your child's brain functions and what areas they may need help in, we have created a simple quiz, accessible at AnnieAgin.com/quiz.

Three Important Considerations to Bear in Mind

1. Most students don't get college credit from AP exams. While AP classes do prepare students for the rigors of college courses, it's crucial to note that only slightly more than half of all students taking the AP exam achieve a score of three or higher – the score required by some colleges to award college credit.

2. Consider the Proximal Zone of Learning. AP classes, while weighted more heavily in GPA calculations, can cause unnecessary struggle if a student is pushed beyond their comfort zone. Too much struggle can require extra assistance, possibly leading to a hit on the student's confidence, which in turn affects academic achievement.

3. Are you building a course roster for your child or the neighbor's child? Don't get caught up in the competitiveness of keeping up with the Joneses. Instead, make choices that are centered around your child's interests and talents.

Before deciding on whether to enroll your child in an AP class, consider reaching out to their previous year's teacher for advice. They likely have a good understanding of your child's capabilities and can provide valuable insight.

Based on these considerations, the answer to the question, "How many AP classes should my child take?" falls into three general categories:

1. No AP classes: If your student is struggling with on-level classes, it's best not to push them into more challenging coursework.

2. Some AP classes: If your student excels in certain areas, it would be beneficial to enroll them in AP classes in those subjects.

3. Several AP classes: If your child is naturally driven and already on an advanced pre-AP track, they could handle a heavier AP workload.

Remember, as a parent, your role is to co-navigate their academic journey. Involve your child in the decision-making process; after all, you are co-pilots during their high school years.

Lastly, don't forget to take the free skills quiz to gain more insights into your student's strengths and areas of improvement. We are always here to help, and we wish your child success in their academic endeavors. Until our next All A's Show, adios!