Advanced Placement at Shadow Mountain
At Shadow Mountain High School, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level coursework. The Advanced Placement (AP) program is designed to provide Matadors with the intellectual tools, critical thinking skills, and academic confidence necessary to excel at the university level and beyond.
Through the AP program, students dive deeper into subjects they are passionate about, engaging in high-level discussions and complex problem-solving that goes far beyond the standard high school curriculum.
The Big Test: Credit is usually determined by a single national exam at the end of the year (scored 1–5).
Portability: Because the curriculum is standardized by the College Board, AP credits are widely recognized by universities across the country and even internationally.
Courses Offered in Advanced Placement:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP European History
- AP US History
- AP Government & Politics
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP English & Composition
- AP English Literature & Composition
- AP Spanish Language & Culture
- AP Spanish Literature & Composition
- AP Psychology
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Business with Personal Finance
- AP Music Theory
At a Glance: Which one is right for you?
| Feature | AP Courses | Dual Enrollment (via PVCC); |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Earned By | One end-of-year exam score | Final course grade |
| Location | SMHS | SMHS |
| National Transfer | Widely accepted nationwide | Best for in-state or partner schools |
| Cost | Usually just the exam fee. | Varies (often subsidized or free) |
| Curriculum | Standardized (College Board) | Set by PVCC |
Don't feel like you have to choose just one! Many students mix and match, taking AP for subjects they want to master for competitive admissions and Dual Enrollment for subjects where they want guaranteed credit at a local university.