AP/Honors Programs

Our Successful Advanced Placement Curriculum

Archmere offers A.P. course work in 19 areas and is proud of its 20-year history with the College Board A.P. Program. For over two decades our students have excelled both regionally and nationally, consistently meriting the College Board's highest A.P. Scholar awards and thus college credits toward their future undergraduate studies. Archmere's dedicated and passionate A.P. teachers implement a college-paced curriculum with a demanding, strenuous work load.

Our A.P. curriculum and success is a clear indication of the rigors of an Archmere education. Colleges and universities often rely on a strong A.P. Program to help distinguish the strength of a school's curriculum and a student's course of study at the national level. Annually, approximately 170 Archmere students take over 300 A.P. Exams.

Honors Algebra I

A year-long course for freshmen who have already been exposed to algebra. The course covers the same topics as Algebra 1, and adds a discussion of polynomials, matrices and probability. Students will be required to think critically and apply their skills in new and varied situations.

Prerequisite: Meeting placement exam requirements.
Honors Biology

Honors Biology is a two-semester course designed for 9th graders. The course surveys all major topics in the study of living things including biochemistry, genetics, cell structure and function, evolution, animal and plant physiology, and ecology. In addition to the lecture component, the course includes frequent laboratory exercises meant to strengthen the students' understanding of the concepts presented in class. The course is intended to be a challenging, college preparatory-level course.

Prerequisite: Placement in this course is dependent upon performance on the science placement test for incoming 9th graders.
Honors Literary Genres and Composition

First-year English Honors is a two-semester course that stresses the use of the English language through composition and discussion. The course introduces students to various literary genres, with an emphasis on world literature. The course also includes vocabulary development, grammar, and related language skills. Covering the same material as the college-prep course, the Honors course has additional reading assignments, more demanding standards for writing assignments, and works at an accelerated pace. Honors students are expected to possess advanced skills in writing, reading comprehension and grammar and also be eager and proactive to improve those skills. Students should anticipate 45 minutes of homework each night.

Prerequisite: Department approval based on entrance exam and test scores.
AP Computer Science A

AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first semester, college-level course in computer science.The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing.The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language.
These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems.The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.
Students should expect to be coding both in writing and by using an IDE. Throughout the year, students will be completing AP level assessments to challenge their knowledge and understanding of the Java language as well as to prepare for the course exam created by the College Board.

Prerequisite Course: Introduction to Computer Programming or AP Computer Science Principles; Geometry or Honors Geometry

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
AP United States History

AP US History is a challenging course that is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course in a high school setting. It is a yearlong survey of American history from the age of exploration to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Considerable time in class spent on critical thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents and historiography. Students will be assessed through daily discussion, essay writing, presentations, quizzes, exams, and the research paper.

Prerequisite Course: World History

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
Honors American Literature and Composition

Honors American Literature and Composition is a two-semester sophomore course which presents an intensified study of the principles of writing including vocabulary, grammar, usage, and organization. The course includes a survey of major works of American literature, along with reading and analytical skills. Second semester includes a research paper project done in conjunction with the history department. In addition to the work of the college prep course, the Honors class analyzes additional selections throughout the year, expects a higher level of discussion and generally moves at a swifter pace. Students should anticipate 45 minutes of homework each night.

Prerequisite Course: Literary Genres and Composition or Honors Literary Genres and Composition

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
Honors Chemistry

This is a general chemistry course that stresses theory, problem-solving, and the reinforcement of topics via laboratory experiments. First semester topics include scientific measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical structure and states of matter. In the second semester, topics include gas laws, thermochemistry, solutions, acid--base chemistry, and equilibrium. Instruction of topics includes lecture, activities, simulations, and problem solving. The laboratory experiments are general chemistry experiments and computer simulation labs, and are scheduled to coincide with the lecture material. The laboratory program stresses proper lab technique and safety, and students work in pairs to collect data. Many experiments include use of the Vernier probes and software to acquire data electronically.

Prerequisite Course: Honors Biology

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
Honors Geometry

A one-year course which mirrors the topics in Geometry but with a wider scope and variety. Coordinate Geometry is emphasized throughout the year so that the students’ algebraic skills are maintained. More emphasis is placed on proofs but students are encouraged to use their natural sense as opposed to a more formalized, axiomatic approach.

Prerequisite Course: Honors Algebra I

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
AP European History

This college level honors course studies the basic principles of modern Western Civilization. It focuses on the unique cultural, political, economic, and social development of Europe and its global impact form 1450 to the present. Students learn and practice the critical thinking and writing skills necessary for college work, as well as prepare to take the College Board AP exam in May. Success on this test may earn the student college credit.

Prerequisite Course: US History or AP US History

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
Honors French III

The third-year modern language courses continue the study of grammar and vocabulary as a means of expanding communication skills. The range of listening comprehension activities is extended. Readings include primary text and cultural topics. Greater emphasis is placed on written communication and practical communicative skills. Less emphasis is put on explicit grammar instruction, as grammar is contextualized and integrated into spoken communication. All skills are strengthened through exposure to multimedia and technology. As a result the intermediate student is a more sophisticated and independent learner. Level III students deepen their appreciation of culture through individual and group research and presentations. The Honors courses provide additional opportunities for exploration of literature and culture.

Prerequisite Course: Honors French II

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
Honors Physics

This course is a rigorous introduction to physics without the use of calculus. The topics in this course include Mechanics, Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism (time permitting). This course emphasizes both a conceptual understanding of physics and numerical problem solving. The course is designed to be equivalent to a university course in physics for a non-science major. Laboratory work is a significant portion of the class time and a significant component of the grade. Labs are designed to provide students with hands-on experience of the physical phenomena and illustrate practical applications of the topics.

Prerequisite Courses: Previous or concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry; Honors Chemistry

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
AP Government and Politics

AP United States Government & Politics provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. Considerable time in class spent on critical thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents. Students will be assessed through daily discussion, essay writing, presentations, quizzes, and exams.

Prerequisite Course: US History or AP US History

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry

This one-year course will cover the properties of the polynomial and rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, and the trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions that will be needed for the study of calculus. As time allows, the course will also cover the conic sections, parametric and polar graphs, and the elements of probability and enumeration.

Prerequisite Course: Honors Geometry

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
AP English Language and British Literature

AP English Language and British Literature surveys British literature and introduces advanced writing skills; in doing so, it also prepares students for the AP English Language exam. The AP Language exam tests students on rhetoric and argument; according to the College Board course description, "the purpose of the AP English Language and Composition course is to enable students to read complex texts with understanding and to write prose of sufficient richness and complexity to communicate effectively with mature readers." The course prioritizes critical thinking, close reading, and careful writing.

Prerequisite Course: Honors American Literature and Intermediate Composition

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.
AP English Literature

A two-semester college-level course designed to prepare students for AP Literature and Composition exam and to emphasize rigorous analysis of poetry, prose, and drama. The course will broaden and deepen the students' knowledge of literature and their critical and analytical thinking and writing skills. Second semester will include more poetry than the first and will emphasize specific test-taking techniques. Both semesters will require a challenging variety of critical compositions, independent study, and intensive reading. Senior writing assignments develop skills in personal reflection, literary analysis, and research. All spring senior elective courses will include a literature- based research paper.

Prerequisite Course: AP English Language and British Literature

Approval Standard: Teacher approval is required to enroll in this course and will be determined by 1) student performance on major assessments and active engagement in classroom activities, with emphasis on the second semester and 2) the consistent and independent work ethic necessary to succeed in an advanced-level course.