Honors courses present
content at a higher level, allowing students to develop skills, concepts, and products. Students in honors classes:
explore curricular
concepts and principles in greater depth and complexity
investigate the
interelationships of concepts and principles within and among
content areas
refine
their problem-solving skills, methods of inquiry, decision-making
and creative thinking
exhibit
a a high degree of creativity by completing comprehensive research
reports, designing experimental studies, composing original poems or
stories, and solving novel and complex problems
Students taking honors
courses receive a .5 weighted grade in determining their GPA (Grade
Point Average).
Advanced Placement
Anne Arundel County Public Schools prides itself in offering an extensive selection of AP courses in all twelve high schools. Furthermore, all twelve high schools participate in a rigorous, Advanced Placement Certified High School program.
Final course grades earned in AP courses receive +1.0 weight in calculating GPAs.
Earn a minimum of five Advanced Placement credits
Earn Advanced Placement credits in four of the five domains:
Languages (English and Foreign Language)
Social Studies
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Computer Science and Fine Arts
Earn a 3.0 non-weighted GPA in Advanced Placement Courses completed
Sit for a minimum of five Advanced Placement exams
PSAT/SAT Preparation
All ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students in Anne Arundel County Public School students take the PSAT. Results help to identify student readiness for Advanced Placement courses, as well as delineate academic strengths and weaknesses. Students may elect to enroll in a one-semester course designed to prepare students for the newly revised math, critical reading, and writing components of the SAT.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and Extended Learning Program (ELP)
The Office
of International Baccalaureate Studies, coordinated by Ms. Christine
Amiss, offers a unique opportunity for advanced students. For complete
information, go to
International Baccalaureate Program/Extended Learning Program
(ELP)
or contact Ms. Amiss directly, 410-222-5415, camiss@aacps.org.
Adjunct Programs for High
School Students
United States Naval Academy (USNA) Advanced Studies Program
The Advanced
Study Program is sponsored and funded by the Board of Education through
the Gifted/Talented/Advanced Programs Office. Public school students may
attend courses during the fall and spring semesters of the school year.
During a special summer session, the program is also open to non-public
schools. The program consists of advanced studies in mathematics,
computer applications, humanities, and the sciences for grades 6-12.
Students are
nominated by their school’s content teachers and guidance counselors. In
addition, students must be presently enrolled in the grade range of
6-12.
The purposes
of this program are to:
extend
the mathematics, humanities, computer science and science education
of gifted and talented students;
expose
students to interesting and challenging topics that, while outside
the standard school curricula, are accessible to those with high
ability and motivation;
encourage the development of reasoning processes necessary in
mathematics, science, and humanities;
provide
the opportunity for students to study in the environment of an
institution of higher education or research;
Mentorship/Internship Program
In cooperation with institutions and agencies
including the Historic Annapolis Foundation, United States Naval
Academy, Maryland State Law Library, and Constellation Generation Group,
LLC, the Gifted/Talented/Advanced Programs Office, offers a series of
summer internship opportunities to high school students currently
enrolled in grades 10 and 11. Students are selected for participation
based on academic preparation, teacher recommendation, and personal
interviews with prospective mentors. Upon completion of 66 hours of
service, the student’s transcript will reflect ½ alternative elective
credit. Applications are available from your school’s guidance office.
For further information, contact Don Counts, 410-570-8062,
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts Tuition
Waiver Program
Maryland Hall in Annapolis offers after-school and
Saturday courses in Creative Arts. Twenty percent of the enrollment in
each class is provided tuition-free to randomly selected applicants from
Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Sculpting, painting, jewelry
design, classical ballet and creative acting are just some of the
classes offered three times per year. For further information contact
410-263-5544 ext. 20, or access
The Maryland Summer
Centers program, in partnership with public and nonpublic agencies,
provides Maryland’s diverse gifted and talented student population with
advanced, rigorous, experiential learning opportunities that nurture
these students’ talents and abilities within unique learning
environments. One-three weeks in durations, these residential and
non-residential summer courses cover a wide range of topics from
maritime studies to law and government, Chinese studies to robot
design. For further information call 410-767-0821 or log on to
www.marylandpublicschools.org/summercenters
Blackboard
