As the Associate Director of Academics at Excel Education Systems, I have the privilege of working with students who are eager to challenge themselves, broaden their knowledge, and prepare for bright futures. One of the most powerful ways we help students accomplish these goals is through our Advanced Placement (AP) program—a pathway that not only provides rigorous, college-level learning opportunities, but also opens doors to scholarships, advanced placement in college, and global recognition.
In this post, I want to explain what AP is, share which AP courses we offer, highlight our students’ recent accomplishments, and provide insight into how we support AP learners every step of the way. Whether you are a parent wondering if AP is right for your child or a high school student ready to push your limits, this is your guide to understanding the opportunities available to you here at Excel.
What is the Advanced Placement (AP) Program?
The Advanced Placement (AP) program, created by the College Board, offers high school students the chance to take courses that mirror the depth, pace, and rigor of college classes. These courses culminate in standardized AP exams, which are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Students who score well—typically a 3 or higher—may be eligible to receive college credit, advanced standing in college courses, or both, depending on the policies of the institutions they attend.
AP courses are designed to develop the critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills necessary for success beyond high school. Unlike standard high school classes, AP courses often require students to engage with complex texts, apply concepts to real-world situations, and manage larger, long-term projects.
For example:
- In AP U.S. History, students not only memorize dates and events, but also learn to interpret historical documents, evaluate competing perspectives, and construct persuasive, evidence-based arguments.
- In AP Calculus AB, learners tackle challenging problem sets that require applying concepts in novel ways—mirroring the work they will do in STEM-focused college programs.
The AP program is about more than earning a grade—it’s about building the skills and resilience needed for higher education and lifelong learning.
What AP Courses Do We Offer at Excel Education Systems?
Our AP program is designed to meet the diverse interests and academic goals of our students. Whether your passion lies in literature, science, mathematics, or history, we have an AP course to challenge and inspire you. Our current offerings include:
- AP English Language & Composition – Focuses on analyzing and crafting effective arguments, rhetorical strategies, and non-fiction writing.
- AP English Literature & Composition – Explores literary analysis through poetry, drama, and prose, while strengthening interpretive and analytical writing skills.
- AP Calculus AB – Covers differential and integral calculus, preparing students for STEM pathways.
- AP Biology – A comprehensive study of life sciences, including cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology, paired with laboratory skills.
- AP Chemistry – Combines chemical theory with lab-based problem-solving and quantitative analysis.
- AP Physics – Introduces core physics principles, from mechanics to electricity and magnetism, through conceptual and mathematical approaches.
- AP U.S. History – A detailed study of American history from pre-Columbian societies to the present, with an emphasis on document analysis and historical argumentation.
- AP Psychology – Examines human behavior, mental processes, and research methods in psychology.
- AP Spanish Language and Culture – Develops fluency in Spanish, with an emphasis on communication, culture, and literature from Spanish-speaking countries.
- AP Environmental Science – Examines the scientific principles and real-world challenges of understanding and sustaining Earth’s natural systems.
- AP Microeconomics – Explores the economic principles governing individual and business decision-making within various market structures.
- AP Macroeconomics – Studies the factors that shape national and global economies, from growth and inflation to fiscal and monetary policy.
- AP U.S. Government and Politics – Analyzes the structure, functions, and processes of the U.S. political system and the roles citizens play in governance.
- AP Statistics – Teaches students how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to make informed decisions in a variety of fields.
Each AP course at Excel is led by an instructor with both subject matter expertise and a deep understanding of the AP exam expectations. Our teachers know how to balance rigor with support, ensuring students are both challenged and equipped to succeed.
Celebrating Our AP Scholars
We are incredibly proud of our students who have earned AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and AP Scholar with Distinction awards—recognitions granted by the College Board to students who demonstrate exceptional performance on multiple AP exams.
- AP Scholar – A College Board award granted to students who score 3 or higher on three or more Advanced Placement exams in a single academic career.
- AP Scholar with Honor is awarded to students who score an average of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
- AP Scholar with Distinction is granted to those with an average score of at least 3.5 on all exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
These awards are not only badges of academic achievement—they are clear indicators to colleges and universities that our students are among the best prepared and most capable applicants. It is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and dedication, as well as the strong support they receive from our faculty.
Pursuing the AP International Diploma (APID)
For students who wish to showcase their academic excellence on a global scale, we also support the pursuit of the AP International Diploma (APID). This advanced credential is awarded to students who meet a set of rigorous criteria across multiple subject areas, including world languages, global perspectives, and sciences.
The APID is especially valuable for students who:
- Plan to apply to universities outside the United States.
- Seek a globally recognized academic credential.
- Want to demonstrate both breadth and depth of academic mastery.
Achieving the APID is no small feat—it requires careful planning, a commitment to multiple AP courses, and consistently high performance on AP exams. We work closely with students who are aiming for this distinction, helping them select the right mix of courses and providing the academic guidance they need to succeed.
How We Support Our AP Students
AP courses are challenging by design—but that doesn’t mean students have to face them alone. At Excel Education Systems, we’ve built a comprehensive support structure to help AP learners thrive. This includes:
- Experienced Instructors – All of our AP teachers are trained to deliver the curriculum effectively while also preparing students for the unique demands of the AP exams.
- Flexible Online Learning – Students can progress through coursework in a way that fits their schedules, while still meeting important deadlines and milestones.
- Targeted Academic Resources – From study guides and practice tests to exam review sessions, we provide the tools students need to prepare thoroughly.
- Individualized Attention – Our instructors and team of coaches offer personalized feedback, one-on-one support, and strategies to strengthen time management and study habits.
- College Counseling – We guide students in understanding how AP credits can be applied to their postsecondary plans, ensuring they maximize the value of their AP experience.
We believe that a challenging curriculum paired with strong support is the key to helping students not only survive, but excel, in AP courses.
Who Should Enroll in AP Courses?
AP courses are not for everyone—and that’s okay. They are best suited for students who:
- Have a strong academic record and want to push themselves further.
- Are self-motivated and able to manage deadlines without constant reminders.
- Have specific college or career goals that benefit from advanced coursework.
- Enjoy learning deeply about a subject and are willing to put in the extra work.
Students considering AP should also understand the time commitment involved. These courses often require more reading, writing, and problem-solving than standard classes. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards are significant—ranging from college credit to a competitive edge in admissions.
The Bottom Line
The Advanced Placement program at Excel Education Systems is more than just a collection of challenging classes—it’s a launchpad for future success. Our AP offerings prepare students for college-level work, celebrate their achievements through AP Scholar awards, and even open pathways to international recognition with the AP International Diploma.
For parents, AP represents an opportunity to help your child build confidence, earn tangible benefits for college, and explore subjects at the highest level. For students, AP is a chance to test your limits, grow as a learner, and open doors to exciting opportunities.
If you believe you are ready for the challenge—or you’re a parent ready to see your child thrive—our AP program may be the perfect next step.
