1. What is PreAP ? PreAP courses are Pre-Advanced placement courses. These courses prepare students for AP courses. AP courses are college level courses offered at the high school level where students can earn college placement or college credit.

2. PreAP courses offered at North PreAP Algebra I, PreAP Geometry, PreAP Algebra II, PreAP Precalculus PreAP World Geography PreAP Biology, PreAP Chemistry, PreAP Physics PreAP English I, II PreAP Spanish II, III; PreAP French III, IV; PreAP Latin II, III; PreAP German III, IV PreAP Art I PreAP Computer Science

3. What PreAP is NOT…. Reading four books instead of three for ELAR More homework problems in math More projects in history Expecting teachers to “baby” you Never having homework Making up quizzes or tests if you fail

4. High School Expectations Find the right balance between academics and extra-curricular activities Level of rigor is high in PreAP – students need to be prepared Students are expected to work independently Students need to be prepared for the length and quality of writing at the high school level Students will learn self-discipline and time management Parents should stay involved in their children’s academic career

5. Suggestions from 9th graders to 8th graders to make a better transition to high school… You can’t retake a quiz/test if you fail. Study the first time. Late work is NOT accepted. Get in the habit of turning in your work when it is due. High school teachers don’t take up every piece of homework for a grade. Many times, they give quizzes to see what you learned. Learn to use a planner and start using time management. Sometimes, you get a few days to do work, so you have to plan when you are going to do it and not wait until the last minute. Learn to study for a test a few days before instead of just the night before. Take notes on what the teacher is saying even if he/she doesn’t write it down on the board or overhead. Learn to have an organization system for folders, spirals, etc. Don’t cram everything into one folder. Be prepared to have homework assigned on a daily basis.

6. Feedback from AP students Our current upper-level AP students were asked to give advice to PreAP underclassmen: Time management and self-discipline are crucial Be prepared for 2- 3 hours per night of homework GPA starts your freshman year – don’t mess it up!

7. Course Registration for next year Some PreAP/AP courses have required summer reading Be aware that PreAP and AP courses have “open” enrollment, but that there are strict guidelines in the contract regarding exiting the course Help your child choose courses wisely with consideration for his or her overall schedule and areas of passion

8. PreAP & AP contact person Deanne Pratt dpratt@mckinneyisd.net 469-742-4351