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Early College


Advanced Placement and 

Concurrent Enrollment


Advanced Placement:

AP (Advanced Placement) courses are rigorous, college-level classes offered in high school by the College Board, covering subjects like math, science, history, and art, designed to provide challenging material, boost GPA, make college applications stronger, and potentially earn college credit through high-scoring AP exams. These courses follow a standardized curriculum, allowing students to experience college-level work in a familiar high school setting before tackling university life.

Key Aspects of AP Courses:

  • College-Level Rigor: AP coursework mirrors introductory college classes, focusing on a deeper understanding and more complex material than standard high school courses.
  • Curriculum Standardization: The College Board creates the curriculum and exams, ensuring content consistency across different high schools nationwide.
  • AP Exams: At the end of the year, students take a comprehensive AP exam, typically scored 1-5 (5 being the highest).
  • College Credit Potential: A score of 3 or higher (though some colleges prefer 4s or 5s) can earn students college credit, potentially saving money and allowing them to skip introductory courses in college. 

Concurrent Enrolment:

Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes are college-level courses that high school students take to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, often taught at the high school by qualified teachers or online, allowing students a head start on their degrees and a preview of college life, usually with reduced or free tuition. These programs partner high schools with local colleges or universities, providing authentic college experiences and aligning curriculum, making them a form of dual enrollment. 

Key Characteristics

  • Dual Credit: Students get credit on both their high school and college transcripts.
  • Location Flexibility: Classes can be at the high school, on a college campus, or online.
  • Cost Savings: Often, tuition and textbooks are free or heavily subsidized by the school district or state.
  • College-Level Standards: Courses and instructors must meet college requirements, ensuring a genuine college experience.
  • Requirements: Students usually need to meet GPA, placement test (like ACT), or other academic prerequisites. 

For more information about Cambridge International Education at City Academy and how your student can be a part of the program, please contact our Executive Director, Grant Stock.