Advanced Placement

AP courses are university-level courses offered in a high school setting, mirroring the content and rigor of introductory university classes. Students enrolled in an AP course cover and are evaluated on the standard Ontario curriculum, enriched with an additional layer of AP material. This fosters a fast-paced, intellectually engaging environment tailored for motivated, critical-thinking learners.
Subject to sufficient student course enrollment requests for the 2026/27 academic year, current AP offerings include:

• Post-Secondary Readiness: Builds strong academic foundations and study habits, preparing students for the rigor of university coursework.
• Admissions Advantage: Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and initiative to university admissions officers through advanced coursework and standardized AP exam scores.
• University Credit & Placement: Earn potential post-secondary credits or advanced course placement, saving time and tuition costs at participating universities.
• Deep Subject Mastery: Encourages high-level problem-solving, analytical thinking, and disciplined study habits.
• Global Recognition: Eligibility for AP Scholar Awards and international academic distinction.

At the end of an AP course, students may write the corresponding standardized AP exam delivered in May that measures how well students have mastered the university-level course work. Students who score 4 or 5 on the exam may receive credit, advanced placement, or both at most universities in Canada and the United States.  Students may self-select to enroll in one or more AP courses during regular course selection. Pre-requisite courses must be completed before entering an AP course (for example, students must complete SBI 3U1 before enrolling in SBI 4UP (AP).

Additionally, any Aldershot student may challenge an AP exam without being enrolled in a formal AP course at our school. While students in Grades 9 and 10 in HDSB have successfully written AP exams in the past, we generally recommend challenging exams in Grades 11 and 12. Students preparing independently follow a self-study model using school library resources, study groups, and the College Board portal.

Exam Administration Guidelines

AP exams will be hosted at Aldershot High School under the following conditions:

1. A minimum of 3 students must register for the same exam subject.

2. Maximum capacity per exam subject is capped at 30 writers (unless otherwise noted).

3. If registration exceeds capacity limits, priority will be given to Grade 12 students, followed by students currently enrolled in the corresponding AP course.

4. Certain AP exams require portfolio or project work, which must be submitted prior to the formal May examination window.

For the 2026/27 academic year, current AP offerings and exams include:

Grade 12 Courses

AP 2D Art & Design

AP Biology

AP Calculus

AP Chemistry

AP English

AP French

AP Music Theory

Grade 11 Courses

AP Functions

AP Psychology

• Exam Window: May 2027 (conducted in-person at Aldershot High School). Refer to the College Board 2027 AP Exam Schedule for specific subject dates and start times.

• Exam Fee: $180 CAD per exam. Note: Fees are non-refundable due to College Board ordering commitments and school administrative processing.

• Registration Deadline: November 5th, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

• Space is Limited: Exam seats are filled on a time-stamped, first-come, first-served basis upon completion of all registration steps.

Students taking an AP course will cover and be evaluated on the Ontario curriculum. The additional layer of AP material will foster a rigorous, high paced environment tailored to engage our high achieving and critical thinking student population. Students who enroll in AP courses should be motivated and academically prepared for the course content. AP courses will move at a faster pace and cover additional AP content beyond the Ontario curriculum.  Some university admissions teams view AP participation as evidence of preparedness and commitment and students are provided the opportunity to explore subjects they are passionate about at a deeper level than standard secondary courses. 

AP Exam Registration: 3-Step Process

Please complete all steps promptly:

1. Step 1: Payment

• Submit fee payment online through SchoolCashOnline.

2. Step 2: Registration Form

• Complete and submit the official Aldershot AP Exam Google Registration Form HERE

3. Step 3: College Board Account & Join Code

• Check your HDSB student email for a unique exam JOIN code sent by the Guidance Department. (If registering for multiple exams, you will receive separate emails/codes for each).

• Sign in to your College Board Account. If creating a new account, use your legal name and a personal email address (do not use your @hdsb.ca student email).

• Navigate to My AP and enter your unique JOIN code to add the exam to your account. Your account should display an "Exam Only" status or update your exam indicator to YES.

• For students enrolled in an AP course: You should have already joined your AP classroom using the code provided by your teacher. Once payment and the registration form are verified, Guidance will update your exam status to YES.

If you have questions regarding AP course selection, prerequisites, or exam registration, please contact the Aldershot High School Guidance Department.

Grade 9 AP Prep Courses 

Students entering Grade 9 are encouraged to explore a variety of AP Prep opportunities based on their individual interests. There are no fees for AP Prep courses at Aldershot.  Once enrolled, students earn the Grade 9 Ontario Curriculum credits. They learn and are assessed on the same provincial curriculum material, but the teacher builds in extensions, such as developing deeper curiosity about a topic, building complex problem-solving skills, and cultivating independent learning habits. 

• AP Prep Geography (CGC1WP)

• AP Prep English (ENL1WP)

• AP Prep French Core (FSF1DP)

• AP Prep Math (MTH1WP)

• AP Prep Science (SNC1WP)

Grade 10 AP Prep Courses

Grade 9 AP Prep students are encouraged to continue their studies in Grade 10, and students new to the Aldershot family are equally welcome to enrol in AP Prep courses. Entering Grade 10 students can explore a variety of AP Prep courses tailored to their personal interests and academic goals. All AP Prep courses at Aldershot are completely fee-free. 

Grade 10 Compulsory AP Prep Courses:

• AP Prep History (CHC2DP)

• AP Prep English (ENG2DP)

• AP Prep Math (MPM2DP)

• AP Prep Science (SNC2DP)

   

  Optional Course Choices (minimum of 1):

  • AP Prep French Core (FSF2DP)

  • AP Computer Science Principles (ICD2OP)