Opportunities for Advanced Coursework

The following pages are to inform parents and students of the benefits of participating in advanced coursework.

While advanced coursework provides an opportunity for your child to gain skills and demonstrate competencies at a higher level, advanced coursework provides other benefits as well. Other benefits of participation in advanced coursework may include:

• improving a student’s self-confidence and image of self.
• demonstrating a student’s preparedness for college-level coursework.
• earning college credit(s) prior to graduation.
• reducing future costs for higher education.
• reducing the amount of time that the student must spend in secondary and/or post-secondary school.

This information can also be found in the Course Offerings Catalog with information related to advanced coursework. Questions related to your child’s participation in advanced coursework may be referred to the Counseling Department at Oyster Bay Middle/High School.

ADVANCED LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS

COURSE WEIGHTING FORMULA

These additional points are not reflected on the report card or the transcript but are used only for the computation of a student’s weighted Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)

HONORS-LEVEL COURSES

Honors courses are offered in most academic areas. Students enter these classes by meeting the prerequisite or through departmental approval. Honors courses are weighted in accordance with District policy. These additional points are not reflected on the report card or the transcript but are used for the computation of a student’s weighted Grade Point Average.

HONORS/AP CRITERIA FOR COURSE PLACEMENT OF H.S. STUDENTS

Students should meet the requirements below to enroll in an Honors level or AP course:

1. To continue in Honors or AP classes, students should

• Have a grade of 85 or higher 
• Receive teacher and/or department supervisor recommendation

2. To move from Regents level to Honors or AP, students should

• Have a grade of 90 or higher 
• Receive teacher and/or department supervisor recommendation

3. To move from Honors to AP, students should

• Have a grade of 90 or higher 
• Receive teacher and/or department supervisor recommendation

In addition to the criteria mentioned on the previous page, to prepare for advanced coursework in high school, students can focus on several areas to ensure they are ready to meet the demands of rigorous classes. Here’s a list of strategies that can help:

1. Focus on Attendance and Engagement

• Good Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for staying up to date with the material, especially in advanced courses where each lesson builds on the previous one. Missing class can cause gaps in understanding that are hard to fill later.
• Be Punctual: Arriving on time ensures that you don’t miss important announcements, instructions, or the start of the lesson, all of which are crucial in advanced courses.
• Active Participation: Engage in class discussions, ask questions, and participate in group activities. This will help reinforce learning and show your teachers that you are invested in the subject.

2. Build a Strong Foundation

• Master Prerequisites: Ensure you understand the prerequisites for advanced courses. For example, a solid understanding of Algebra will help you succeed in higher-level math courses. Review past content if needed to fill in any gaps.
• Focus on Core Subjects: Strengthen your skills in core subjects such as math, science, and English, as these often serve as the basis for more advanced coursework.

3. Develop Effective Study Habits

• Create a Study Routine: Develop a consistent study schedule to avoid cramming. Allocate time each day for reviewing notes, doing assignments, and preparing for upcoming lessons.
• Use Active Learning Techniques: Instead of passively reading, engage with the material by summarizing it, teaching it to others, or applying it to real-world situations. These techniques help reinforce learning and improve retention.
• Utilize Study Resources: Use online resources, study guides, or tutoring if needed to deepen your understanding of challenging topics.

4. Improve Time Management Skills

• Prioritize Tasks: Advanced coursework often comes with more assignments, projects, and deadlines. Prioritize tasks and manage your time wisely to avoid last-minute stress.
• Avoid Procrastination: Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them over time instead of waiting until the last minute.

COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES

All college-level courses are given honors weighting and are offered in conjunction with a local college or university. Students will receive the credit and a transcript from the associated school if they pay for the college credit at the beginning of the school year and maintain the necessary grade average required by each college or university. Students may enroll in a college-level class by meeting the prerequisite requirement or through the approval of the department supervisor. Students must adhere to the deadlines imposed by each college or university to earn the college credit. The classroom teacher is the college contact. College courses are weighted in accordance with District policy. These additional points are not reflected on the report card or the transcript but are used for the computation of a student’s weighted grade point average. 

Oyster Bay High School offers the following college-level courses for dual enrollment with the affiliated college or university listed below:

*Fees and deadlines are set by each individual college.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

At Oyster Bay High School we are committed to fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment; one of the key pathways to achieving this is through our Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Participating in AP courses is an enriching experience that goes beyond traditional high school curriculum. These challenging and rigorous courses provide students with the opportunity to engage in college-level material, preparing them for the academic demands of higher education. Students who are enrolled in AP courses are required to sit for the corresponding AP Exam which is administered in May. There is a fee associated with each exam. Students who have concerns regarding the cost of exams should speak with their school counselor. 

Some key benefits of participating in AP courses are:

• College Readiness: AP courses are designed to mirror the rigor of college-level classes, allowing students to develop critical thinking, time management, and study skills that are essential for success in higher education.

• Weighted GPA: Students who excel in AP courses have the opportunity to boost their grade point averages (GPAs) with weighted grades, showcasing their academic potential to colleges.

• Advanced Knowledge: AP courses delve deep into subjects, offering students a chance to explore and master complex concepts. This advanced knowledge not only benefits them academically but also fosters a lifelong love of learning.

• College Credits: Many colleges and universities recognize the value of AP courses and offer college credit to students who perform well on AP exams. This can lead to significant cost savings and allow students to pursue more advanced coursework sooner.The decision to award credit for AP Courses is determined by the colleges & universities and is not guaranteed. 

• Competitive Advantage: Participation in AP courses sets our students apart in the competitive college admissions process. Admissions officers often view AP coursework as a sign of a student's dedication to academic excellence and willingness to take on intellectual challenges.

Oyster Bay High School offers the following Advanced Placement courses: