It used to be that Running Start was the way to go for high school students looking to get an early jump on college. Running Start is a program where high school students can obtain an Associate of Arts degree before graduation. Now, though, high school students are no longer having to venture far to get college credit through an Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum.

“Advanced Placement differs from Running Start in that the students are on campus, take the class(es) all year, and take an end-of-the-year standardized test,” explained Grandview High School AP English teacher Lyn Desserault. “A student receives the grade they earned during the year and have the possibility of earning college credit.”

Desserault said the college credit is contingent on the college choice of the student. “Some colleges honor the hard work and award the student with credit and an exemption from having to enroll in the same entry-level course as their corresponding AP class,” added Desserault. “AP classes give the student more opportunity to explore a subject--a year as opposed to a semester at the community college.”

Even if a student does not pass the AP test, the preparation they are receiving will benefit them for the rigorous demands of college, said Desserault “Many students have reported that the instruction from their AP courses were what saved them academically, their first year at college,” she added. Grandview High School implemented an AP curriculum during the 2004- 05 school. The high school began its AP curriculum by offering AP English Literature/Composition; AP Calculus; AP United States History; AP Government. Since that time the high school has added AP English Language; AP Spanish Literature; AP Biology; AP Environmental Science; AP World Geography. Desserault said even though the high school doesn't officially offer a class, many students opt to take the AP Spanish Language test.

The high school currently has 210 students enrolled in AP classes for this school year. The AP classes are offered throughout the day and are a part of the regular seven- period schedule.

There are several reasons why there has been an increase in enrollment for the high school AP classes, said Desserault. She explained during student-led conferences, students were able to explain their education and career goals to both advisors and parents.

“This leads into registration of next year courses and students are educated on what type of classes would best help them prepare for their future,” said Desserault.

The master class schedule at the high school is student- driven and the need for higher level courses has developed based on these discussions, Desserault explained. “Many students initially enroll in the AP courses because they know the classes look good on their official transcripts,” she added. “By the end of the year those same students are more interested in passing the year-end test to help off-set college costs.” The high school is part of the AVID program, which in part is designed to help prepare students to attend college. One piece of criteria for students attending an AVID school is to be placed in rigorous courses with weekly tutorials as part of their schedule.

“This allows for students to get additional help in higher level courses,” said Desserault.

She also attributes the AP classes booming at Grandview High School growth in the high school AP program to word of mouth. Desserault feels students encourage other students to enroll in higher level courses. She said some students encourage others to enroll in a class because they had the class last year and saw the benefit of the course or because they want their friends to be a "study-buddy" in that higher level course and seek collaboration.

High school student Kinzi Poteet is currently taking AP Calculus and AP English/Literature and composition at the high school. "AP classes offer a stimulating change to the normalcy of other high school courses,” said Poteet. “All AP classes provide students the necessary preparation for college level classes.” Poteet said in her AP Calculus the class reviews theorems and multiple series of calculations that are seen in entry level math classes taken in college. On the English end of the AP spectrum, AP Literature is a rigorous, time consuming course that explores subjects spanning from Shakespeare to literary devices. “On the whole, AP classes are a step in the right direction to push students toward college and provide them with the necessary knowledge,” said Poteet.

“AP classes prepare a student for college in numerous ways,” said Grandview High School Principal Mike Closner. “The class work is rigorous and relevant for Grandview High School students.”

The following are the AP classes currently offered at GHS and the instructors of each:

AP United States History - Andrew Penwell
AP Chemistry - Kelly Ledgerwood
AP English Language and Composition - Lyn Desserault
AP Human Geography - Ronda Penwell
AP Government and Politics - Ronda Penwell
AP Calculus - Ryan Downing
AP Spanish Literature - Jeremiah Campbell