Tahoma High School provides a variety of options for students who are planning to attend a college or university. In addition to the college preparatory curriculum offered, students can simultaneously earn Tahoma Senior High graduation credit and college credit through the following programs:

 Advanced Placement Program

The internationally recognized AP Program, begun in 1955, is a program administered by the College Board, which exposes high school students to college-level materials through AP courses, and then offers an optional exam each May which costs approximately $82. Fee waivers are available for those qualifying for the district's free and reduced lunch program.

Students earning at least a 3 (on a five-point scale0 on this exam generally earn college credit, placement, or a waiver of required courses. Students should check with prospective colleges as to how AP is credited, since college rules vary. Students receive their test results in July.

 Tahoma's AP courses are open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12.  AP courses offered are:

• Pre AP Literature (grade 10)

• European History

• Literature

• U.S. History

• Calculus AB

• Calculus AB/BC

• Computer Programming

• Environmental Science

• U.S. Government

• U.S. Government/We the People

• Studio Art

• Psychology

All these courses are dependent upon enrollment. The AP courses follow guidelines for AP curriculum established by the College Board.  Courses are one year long. The classes can be taken solely for high school credit and college preparatory skills students will gain.

Class grades are separate from the AP test score.  On the AP test, students must earn a 3, 4, or 5 on a 5-point scale to receive credit at most universities.  Those earning a 3 or above generally earn between 5 and 9 credits.   Nationally, approximately 60% of students taking the AP tests earn a 3 or above. College credit earned is recorded as "pass" at the college receiving the student's transcript.  AP credit is internationally recognized and credit is awarded at most universities.

You can find out more about the AP Program on the Advanced Placement website at www.apcentral.collegeboard.com

The University of Washington College in the Classroom Program offers Tahoma High School students U.W. college-level courses on the Tahoma High School campus.   Capable, interested 11th and 12th grade students may take the following college-level courses:

• French (U.W. FR 103) (year-long)

• Geology (U.W. GEOL 101) (year-long)

• College Literary Analysis (U.W. E111) (one semester)

• Spanish (U.W. SP103) (year-long)

• College Writing (U.W. E131) (one semester)

Each course follows a U.W. syllabus and curriculum and can be taken solely for high school credit and college preparatory skills.  Additionally, students can pay a $280 fee, plus $30 registration fee , and receive five U.W. college credits, providing that the student has earned a U.W. grade of C (2.0) or better.

The U.W. grade is recorded as "pass" on college   transcripts. The U.W. credit will be accepted at Washington colleges and most out-of-state colleges.

More information about the U.W. courses can be found at their website:  http://www.edoutreach.washington.edu/extinfo/educ/uwhs.asp.

The Tech Prep Dual Credit program

Tech Prep Dual Credit is a college preparatory program in a specific profession/technical area that provides students with the skills and abilities needed by business and industry. Dual Credit combines academic, career, and technical instruction that directly applies to a community and technical college degree or certificate. Through agreements with Green River Community College, Highline Community College, Renton Technical College, and Clover Park Technical College transcript college credits are earned while the student is still in high school.

Dual Credit college courses are offered at THS for such classes as: Accounting, Automotive Mechanics, Careers in Education, Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, Digital Art, Digital Tools, Drafting Technology, Child Development, Floral Design, Manufacturing/Engineering Technology, Marketing, and Metal Shop, Multimedia, PC Technology, Prostart Foods, and Woods.

Students eligible for college credits upon earning a 3.0 or better in the class and completing the appropriate Tech Prep Dual Credit/College application. There is a one-time fee of $15 payable to the college for the processing of any number of direct college credits. Transfer of college credits to another institution is subject to the same determination as any transcripted college credit.

Questions about these courses may be directed to your THS counselor at (425) 413-6204; to Brooke Dillon, AP/UW Coordinator, bdillon@tahoma.wednet.edu, (425) 413-6317;  or to Roberta Pugsley, Tech Prep Coordinator, rpugsley@tahoma.wednet.edu, (425) 413-6303.

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Last Updated Friday March 04, 2005

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