WCSD AP Academy is a new initiative that will provide high-achieving and gifted scholars the opportunity to attend advanced courses, be immersed in innovative, hands-on activities, visit and get feedback from Honors Colleges at the most prestigious universities, and work alongside peers who are motivated to be involved in community service and community change activities. The overall goal of the AP Academy is to encourage students to take a rigorous course load, provide academic support, and recognize student achievement.
Parents and interested students should read the information below and fill out the interest form. The WCSD AP Academy Instructors look forward to working with the next generation of innovative scholars who will become the country’s next educational and scientific leaders.
Fall 2024 applications are now open for all current Honors eighth graders, freshmen, juniors, and seniors. Eighth graders must have completed English 1 and/or Algebra 1 to apply. Interest forms are due April 15.
Interested students’ forms will be reviewed to ensure that they meet program qualifications. The students who meet the minimum qualifications will be sent an application for admission into the program.
The criteria and qualifications will include the following information:
Current eighth-grade student selection criteria will include PSAT scores, SCREADY statewide test data, grades, and discipline records.
High school criteria will include participation in Honors courses, EOC scores, current SAT/ACT scores, and discipline records.
Membership in the AP Academy is also open to any rising sophomore, junior, or senior with a weighted GPA of 3.65 or higher. All students must have two teacher recommendations.
From the student applicants, no more than 150 students will be invited to write a timed essay for review by District Office personnel. Between 75 to 100 students will then be selected as the inaugural group for the WCSD AP Academy.
For any AP Academy questions, contact Mark Fraiser (mfraiser@wcsd.k12.sc.us) or Mrs. Angela Fred (anmcclary-rush@wcsd.k12.sc.us ).
WCSD AP Academy’s Mission statement
The AP Academy seeks to expand academic opportunities to a variety of students, providing a rigorous course of studies designed to challenge and engage students intellectually while preparing them for post-secondary studies. Students will approach their studies honestly and passionately in the spirit of true scholarship with guidance from a community of dedicated AP Academy instructors.
WCSD AP Academy’s Vision statement
To cultivate in all students, the world-class knowledge and skills that are necessary to be successful in their post-secondary endeavors through the development of the life and career characteristics of integrity, self-direction, a global perspective, perseverance, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.
As described by the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate:
- World Class Knowledge is acquired through rigorous standards in English and Mathematics, along with exposure to multiple languages, STEM, arts, and social sciences.
- World Class Skills include creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving, collaboration and teamwork, communication, information, media and technology, and knowing how to learn.
Possible WCSD Academy AP Course Offerings: AP Literature & Composition, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based, AP US History and Constitution, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP Art and Design, AP Human Geography, AP European History, AP Music Theory, AP Statistics.
WCSD AP Academy strategic goals:
Implement high-impact initiatives with a focus on student outcomes that meet the needs of diverse groups within the school.
Create a culture that welcomes diversity and strives to create equitable access for students in advanced studies, along with extracurricular activities.
Reduce the “belief gap” that directly relates to the achievement gap for minority students through self-analysis and study.
Expose all students to rigorous coursework at all levels to ensure students are college and career-ready.
Promote college and career readiness through a coherent curriculum.
Ensure that sound and purposeful reading, writing, and speaking are evident across all disciplines daily through sound lesson development and instruction.
Provide academic support to students to enhance and extend classroom instruction.
Prepare all students to participate in at least one AP course or college-ready course during their high school career.
Hire highly qualified personnel and facilitate professional development to ensure quality preparation, implementation, and analysis of lessons and assessments.
Develop community partnerships to enhance the educational experience of our students.
Possible WCSD Academy AP Course Offerings: AP Literature & Composition, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based, AP US History and Constitution, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP Art and Design, AP Human Geography, AP European History, AP Music Theory, AP Statistics.
