1. Ms. Sara Veinbergs
Advanced Academics Coordinator

2. 7:15-7:45: Introductions, Overview and Student
Panel, Q & A (Time allowing)
Move to Quander Building for Course Break-Outs
Break-Out Sessions:
7:50-8:00: Session
8:05-8:15: Session
8:20-8:30: Session
8:35-8:45: Session
8:50-9:00: Session
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Rigorous academic studies
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Open access to all students
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Academic exploration and knowledge beyond
the standard course of study
Require dedication of time and individual effort
beyond the school day
College preparatory (Honors) and college-level
(AP) courses
Visit http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/index.shtml

4. 
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Honors courses are college preparatory
courses courses offered to prepare
students for AP Courses or in courses
where a comparable AP course does not
exist.
Students who do well in Honors courses have
a foundation for doing well in AP and
college courses.
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5. 
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Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses
are college-level courses offered in high
school. AP courses reflect what is taught in
top introductory college courses
At the end of course, students take AP
Exams—standardized exams that measure
how well students have mastered collegelevel course work. (Some also have an
SOL.)
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6. 
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The MOST significant factor leading to success in
college is the rigor of the high school curriculum.
Advanced academic courses expand student’s ability
to read, write, and think critically; analyze and solve
problems; and build 21st century skills.
Honors and AP courses can bolster a HS transcript and
improve college acceptance.
Honors courses have .5 and AP courses have 1.0 (with
completion of class and exam) weighted grades which
add to a student’s GPA.
Many colleges grant credit for courses in which
students earn a qualifying score on AP examinations.

7. 
Often the most interesting and fulfilling courses a
student takes in high school
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Students develop confidence, and learn strong study
habits and time management skills
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Colleges rank “Grades in college prep courses” and
“Strength of curriculum” as the top two factors in the
admission decision.*
* 2009 State of College Admission, NACAC

8. 
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85% of selective colleges and universities report that
a student’s AP experience favorably impacts
admission decisions.**
Students who take AP courses and exams are much
more likely than their peers to complete a college
degree on time. ***
31% of colleges and universities consider a student’s
AP experience when making decisions about which
students will receive scholarships.****
** Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc. March 2007
*** IPEDS database, 2008
*** Linda Hargrove, Donn Godin, and Barbara Dodd, “College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences.” The College Board, 200
**** Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc. March 2007

9. Advanced Placement courses typically demand more
of students than regular or honors courses.
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Classes tend to be fast-paced and cover more
material .
More time, inside and outside of the classroom.
Advanced Academics teachers expect their students
to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and
data, weigh competing perspectives, and write
clearly and persuasively.

10. Sarah McKeown
Sandra Adade
Shazeb Mian
Clay Schoeffel
Ashley Pak
Neel Mehta
Jackson Gibbs
Anna Smith
Grace Bessel
Martha Bervell
Noor Javaid

11. 
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West Potomac is a PLC School: Working
collaboratively, teachers can structure common
activities, interventions, and instruction based on
analysis of assessments.
Advanced Academics Mentoring Program:
Underclassmen students in advanced courses are
invited to be mentored by upperclassmen with
experiences in taking similar courses, providing advice
on time management and study skills.
First Quarter Skills Workshops: Students have the
opportunity to work with Advanced Academics and
AVID teachers on essential skills in an effort to start the
school year off on the right foot.

12. 
You! (Parents/Guardians)
◦ Advanced Academics is for the PREPARED not the
ELITE
◦ Rigor ≠ More work…BALANCE is key
◦ Play to strengths and interest areas when selecting
courses

13. Move to Quander Building for Content Course BreakOuts
Break-Out Sessions:
7:50-8:00: Session
8:05-8:15: Session
8:20-8:30: Session
8:35-8:45: Session
8:50-9:00: Session
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2
3
4
5

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All registration materials are located on
the WPHS website through the Student
Services office
http://www.fcps.edu/WestPotomacHS/stu
dentservices/studentservices.html
Further information on Advanced
Academic Programs can be found on the
FCPS website
http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/index.shtml

15. 
Sara Veinbergs
Advanced Academics Coordinator
smveinbergs@fcps.edu
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Drew Hamlin
Assistant Principal
MAhamlin@fcps.edu