AP and Honors Courses; Advanced Study

Advanced Placement Classes

Advanced Placement (AP) courses follow a nationally prescribed curriculum developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). In most schools, AP courses are the most academically rigorous in their respective subject areas. Each AP course culminates in a comprehensive exam in May. Exams are graded by ETS on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score attainable. If a student scores a 3 or better on the exam, colleges may award advanced placement or college credit.

In all academic departments at The Pennington School, AP courses are considered college-level courses. Given the increased demands and high expectations for student performance, a maximum course load of three AP classes per year is recommended. A student who wishes to take more than three AP classes must have permission from the Academic Dean.

AP and Honors courses at Pennington are weighted equally on a student's transcript.

Descriptions of the Advanced Placement courses offered at Pennington are listed on department pages; those currently offered are:

• Biology
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• Computer Science A
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition
• French Language and Culture
• German Language and Culture
• Latin
• Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
• Modern European History
• Music Theory
• Physics C
• Spanish Language and Culture
• Statistics
• Studio Art
• United States Government and Politics
• United States History

Honors Classes

Through the study of a variety of disciplines and the careful guidance of instructors, each student learns the skills essential to success in college. The full program of study for each student is prepared in consultation with the advisor, Class Dean, department chairs, Academic Dean, and college counselors.

Honors-level courses are academically challenging classes for high-achieving students. While Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are often requested to enhance the apparent rigor of a transcript, the School will determine whether placement in such courses is appropriate. In addition to grades from previous years, work ethic, expressive skills, academic habits, placement tests, standardized test scores, and demonstrated commitment to learning guide the School in making course-placement decisions.

Descriptions of each of the Honors courses offered at Pennington are on department pages; current Honors courses include: 

• Algebra II
• American Identities
• Literary Thesis Seminar
• Biology
• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Creative Writing
• Data Structures
• Discrete Mathematics
• French III, IV
• Geometry
• Geography
• German III, IV
• The Good Life (English and Religion, semester)
• History Thesis Seminar
• Introduction to Literary Forms and Critical Writing
• Journalism
• Latin III, IV
• Latin American and Latinx Studies
• Multivariable Calculus
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Precalculus
• Senior Seminar in Theatre
• Spanish III, IV
• United States History
• World History