In order to fully prepare students for college, Turlock High School is now offering more Advanced Placement courses than ever.

 Principal Marie Peterson hopes that a boost in the number of AP courses will coincide with a boost in the number of THS graduates that will ultimately pursue a postsecondary education.

“At THS we take pride in offering a robust selection of AP courses for our students looking for an academic challenge similar to college,” said Peterson. “With the high cost of a college education, AP courses also offer students the chance to take an end of year AP exam that they can earn college credit while still in high school.”

THS now offers 19 AP courses for its students, including AP Calculus, AP Studio Art, and AP English Language and Composition. These courses will give students an advanced understanding of a selected subject by enhancing their knowledge and skills. Students are also eligible to earn college credit through these courses by scoring well on the AP Placement Exam.

“My hope is that by taking an AP course at THS students will have the opportunity to experience college level coursework and experience success giving them the confidence to take more AP courses and eventually enroll in a four year university,” concluded Peterson.

Peterson added that AP teachers at THS are experts in their subject area and take the time to ensure that each student is prepared to take the AP Placement exam at the end of the year by attending AP Summer Institutes.

In addition, AP exams are also made more affordable for economically disadvantaged students, thanks to a mandated policy from the District’s Local Control and Accountability Plan. TUSD will off-set fees for eligible students by $26 as a part of College Board’s fee reduction program.