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Ap curriculum 

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are university-level classes that students can take at the high school level and earn college credit (dependent on passing an exam in May). AP classes are academically challenging, fast-paced, and require commitment, especially when completing homework assignments and independent learning. The exams are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. A score of 3 is generally accepted by most US Universities.

Benefits of taking AP classes

Besides receiving college credit, there are many other benefits to taking an AP class. Some examples include: Developing study skills at the university level Studies show that if you receive a two on an AP exam, you are ready for university-level learning Studies show that if a student gets a three or above, they typically perform better in university Strengthening of school transcript Since AP classes are weighted, it can allow a student to receive above a 4.0 GPA Studies show that students enrolling in AP classes are more likely to enter a four-year, more selective university upon graduation. The College Board provides additional information and statistics on the benefits of taking AP classes. You can find more information on what AP classes are here and the benefits of taking AP classes here.

According to the College Board: “Universities around the world recognize AP when making admission decisions, course requisites, and awarding university credit. In fact, half of students entering four-year colleges are now starting school with some credit from AP courses.   Qualifying AP Exam scores earn university credit in nearly all universities in the United States and Canada and are recognized in 60 other countries worldwide. Scores of 3 or 4 on AP Exams fulfill admission requirements in many universities in the UK and Europe.   Each college and university determines its own policies regarding AP Exam scores. For detailed information about the AP recognition policies of universities, use the searches below: Global: Search AP Credit Policies Outside the US: Search AP Recognition Policies (admissions, credit/placement, and scholarship considerations)”   Please keep in mind that students are graduating with a US diploma even though HKAA is located in Hong Kong. They should view the individual requirements for acceptance with an American diploma. If they are planning to study in Hong Kong, the UK, or elsewhere, they must meet their individual country requirements. For example, both Hong Kong University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology require students to take a minimum of three AP classes to be eligible for admission.

Transferring
AP Credit Abroad

Students Taking Exam

  • AP Calculus (G.12)

  • AP Physics (G. 11 - G.12)

  • AP Human Geography (G.9 & G.10)

  • AP Computer Science (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP Language and Culture (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP Chinese Language and Culture (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP English Literature and Culture (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP Art History (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP European History (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP United States History (G.10 - G.12)

  • AP Music Theory (**auditions required)
     

AP courses We
Offer at HKAA

AP classes are university level classes. Therefore, students that are interested in taking Advanced Placement classes should meet the following requirements: 

  1. Cumulative GPA of 3.3

  2. At least an B in current year base subject class

    1. B- or below - must petition

    2. AP Chinese - by teacher permission

    3. AP Music - by auditions

  3. Student, parent, registrar and teacher signatures are required

    1. Note that some classes may require an entrance exam

    2. Some classes may require prerequisites

AP CLASS REQUIREMENTS

AP CLASS OPTIONS BASED ON GRADE LEVEL

Below are a list of the amount of AP classes a student may take based on their grade level:

  • Grade 9 /10 - AP Human Geography

  • Grade 9 - AP Music Theory (need to pass Auditions)

  • 10th Grade - 2 AP Classes (AP Chinese and AP History [European or US History depending on which course is offered that year] OR AP Human Geography))

  • Grade 11/12 - can take up to 3 AP classes

    1. Can petition an AP overload

  • Admittance into the class means you must complete the first FOUR weeks before deciding to drop.

    • Many AP classes also require summer homework assignments that students are expected to complete.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  • Due to the smaller class sizes at HKAA, students taking AP classes will receive more one-on-one teacher support and individual feedback. Smaller class sizes allow students to succeed despite the fast-paced, rigorous course load. 

    • Many teachers offer additional tutoring on a weekly basis to help students prepare for the exam.

  • There is a 94% pass rate on AP exams within AP History classes with a passing score of at least 3. 

  • If students would like to study a course that our school does not offer, they have the ability to self-study and take the AP test on their own. Doing a self-study of an AP class is unique to the AP system as most IB schools require students to take the class to take the exam.

AP vs. IB Program

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AP

Advance Placement

  1.  Entrance Fee: HKD2,500 (HKAA Students)

  2. Can choose to self-study for AP class outside of school AP class offerings

  3. Choose which subjects you are interested and excel in

  4. Accepted locally and internationally

  5. Recommended to take 3 AP classes

  6. University level classes

  7. Can begin taking AP level classes in 9th grade​

  8. No additional requirements outside of class

  9. HKAA offers on campus AP testing

  10. No additional testing requirements outside of exam

vs

IB

International Baccalaureate

  1. Exam fee: $119USD

  2. Usually must be enrolled in an IB class to take the IB test

  3. Holistic, cross-disciplinary program; strong foundation in liberal arts

  4. Accepted locally and internationally

  5. Must take 3 “high level” classes to earn IB diploma

  6. University level classes 

  7. Ages 16-19 only (grades 11/12)

  8. Additional requirements outside of class that focus on global awareness

  9. Most schools offer testing on campus

  10. Must write extended essay in addition to taking exam

HKAA Safe place to Grow

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Students enjoy the benefits of both systems and are taught to perform at high levels of academic excellence. A majority of HKAA’s teachers are internationally based teachers from all corners of the globe. 

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