Advanced Placement & College Credit Courses

Benefits of Taking Advanced Placement and College Credit Courses

OFA offers an extensive list of AP, Advanced, and college credit offerings. Participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit courses offers students unparalleled opportunities to accelerate their academic journey and enhance their post-secondary readiness. These rigorous programs provide a challenging curriculum that deepens critical thinking, analytical skills, and time management — all essential for success in higher education. By earning college credits while still in high school, students can significantly reduce future tuition costs, potentially allowing them to graduate earlier or pursue a dual major. AP course participation can strengthen college applications, demonstrating a student’s commitment to academic rigor and their capacity for advanced coursework, ultimately opening doors to more selective institutions and scholarship opportunities.

Students enrolled in AP level courses are expected to take the AP exam. All averages (marking period, mid-term, and final) will be reported as weighted by factor of 1.075. If a student does not take the AP exam, his/her weighted grade will revert back to the “unweighted” grade and the student will lose AP designation from his/her transcript. 

Some students may qualify for financial assistance or waiver of AP exam fees. Students may enroll in these courses, pending successful completion of pre-requisites (where applicable), and may do so by contacting their counselor.

Back to top

AP Courses

AP Language & Composition

Required: No.

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 11

Restricted to Level(s): Honors.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: English 10H or instructor/department head approval/recommendation (preferred).

Additional Courses Suggested as Prerequisite(s): 10H (preferred).

Student Expense in This Course: Basic Supplies & approximately $95 for AP Exam.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: The AP Language and Composition course is a college level course designed to “engage students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes” (AP Language Course Description). Students will focus on reading literature and analyzing the different rhetorical techniques used by authors. “Students [will] become acquainted with a wide variety of prose styles from many disciplines and historical periods and gain understanding of the connections between writing and interpretive skill in reading” (AP Lang. Course Description).

The literature will focus on classic and contemporary authors with an emphasis on American nonfiction. Materials covered range from classical speeches from American history to memoirs to current events. Students will be asked to share their thoughts in open class discussions, informal writing, and formal writing. Technology is used throughout the course to submit and share answers. This course will be aligned with the Common Core Learning Standards and the AP course objectives. Students will take the NYS Regents in June and are expected to take the AP Language and Composition Exam at the beginning of May.

Areas Explored: American literature from the oral tradition of the Native Americans to the Modern Era, composition (literary analysis), three formal research projects, grammar as it applies to writing skills, listening, and speaking, Latin/Greek affixes as basis for vocabulary study.

Activities/Titles: Ideas in Argument; Supplementary full-length novels, AMSCO Vocabulary for the College Bound Student, incorporation of the district’s writing model; in addition, students expected to read independently three major selections which will correspond with the three research projects.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Modified rubrics from the Comprehensive Examination in English (State Education Department), quizzes, tests, written assignments, and projects.

Back to top

AP Literature & Composition

Required: Yes, for the advanced students, AP English is the 4th unit.

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 12

Restricted to Level(s): 12 Advanced Placement.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: English 11AP and/or permission of instructor/department head approval/recommendation, a score of “88” or better on the New York State comprehensive English Regents is preferred.

Additional Courses Suggested as Prerequisite(s): 11A (preferred).

Student Expense in This Course: $95.00 for AP Examination all students are required to take.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: Students will focus on reading literature and responding in text-rooted essays. Students will analyze classical and contemporary prose and poetry through discussion (Socratic Seminars) and writing. Focus will be on structure, style, a writer’s diction, tone, imagery, and language. Vocabulary study is essential. Students will also study the cultural and historical implications in various literary selections.

Areas Explored: All texts are listed on previous AP exam free-response questions. Independent readings vary throughout the year. Students will read a variety of literature from different genres, eras, and literary movements. The readings will cover a variety of themes and literary periods, including Renaissance, Classicism, Realism, Impressionism, and Postmodern.

Activities/Titles: Representative works will include Shakespeare, Donne, Ibsen, Chopin, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Ellison, Hosseini, Huxley, Atwood, Roethke, Keats, and Yeats.

Grading Rubrics (method of evaluation): Essays using past AP exam prompts, rhetorical analysis, critical responses, quizzes, tests, and informal writing.

Complete College Board Approved AP English Literature and Composition Syllabus Available Upon Request.

Back to top

AP Calculus (College Credit)

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 12. May be taken concurrently with Pre-Calculus with recommendation of the Math Algebra 2 instructor.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Pre-Calculus (unless both are taken concurrently).

Student Expense in This Course: Required: AP Calculus AB Exam-approximate cost-$95. This course has dual enrollment through SUNY Canton at no cost to the student. Required: TI 84Plus graphing calculator (may be used on ALL Regents, SATs, and ACTs).

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: Once every day/twice every other day.

General Course Description: Advanced Placement Calculus AB Curriculum. Uses same curriculum as most first semester college calculus courses.

Areas Explored: Integration and differentiation of elementary algebraic and transcendental functions. Theory of limits and derivative and integral application problems.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): As per Board of Education policy.

Back to top

AP Biology

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 10, 11, 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: a mark of 75 in Regents Chemistry and Living Environment, permission of instructor, or currently taking chemistry.

Student Expense in This Course: $95 AP Exam fee and review book. Also, a large three-ringed notebook is recommended.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: (6 classes + 3 labs).

General Course Description: AP Biology is intended to be taken by students who have successfully completed Regents Living Environment and Regents Chemistry or taking Regents Chemistry and demonstrate a keen interest in biological sciences. It is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college biology course. (8 credits)

Areas Explored: Biological chemistry, cells, molecular genetics, heredity, evolution, and ecology.

Activities/Titles: Student must sit for May AP exams.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): As per Board of Education policy.

Back to top

AP Chemistry

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 11 or 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Regents chemistry (grade of 85 or above), Geometry (grade of 80+).

Student Expense in This Course: $95 AP Exam fee.

Additional Courses Suggested as Prerequisite(s): Geometry.

Student Expense in This Course: $95 fee for AP exam and a $20 review book. Also, large notebook and graphing calculator.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: (6 classes and 3 labs).

General Course Description: 2nd year general chemistry; equivalent to a freshman college course (two semesters), stresses problem solving techniques and critical thinking. Geared to the mastery of certain basic concepts in chemistry.

Areas Explored: Atomic structure, matter & measurement, thermochemistry, kinetic theory, solutions, equilibrium-kinetics, bonding & structure, acid-Base, Oxidation-reduction, nuclear, stoichiometry, chemical bonds, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium.

Activities/Titles: Student MUST sit for May AP exams.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Labs write-ups when assigned. Tests, quizzes, homework, and participation.

Back to top

AP World History

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 10 with teacher recommendation.

Restricted to Level(s): Regents.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Global Studies.

Student Expense in This Course: $95 AP Exam fee.

Additional Courses Suggested as Prerequisite(s): English.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: 1200-present (nine units).

Areas Explored: 1200-present (nine units).

Activities/Titles: AP World Exam in May for college credit is optional. Mandatory Regents exam in June.

Grading Rubrics (method of evaluation): Essay assessment, AP Exam in May, NYS Regents Exam in Global History & Geography.

Back to top

AP U.S. History

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 12 or 11 with teacher recommendation.

Restricted to Level(s): Regents.

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: All required Social Studies courses.

Student Expense in This Course: $95 AP Exam fee.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: A college-oriented chronological survey of American History from 1600 to the present. This course is designed to prepare academically-talented students for the AP Exam.

Activities/Titles: In-class discussions, constitutional convention, debates, research papers.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): For all projects and free response questions, AP Exam in May, NYS Regents in Global History & Geography.

Back to top

College Credit Courses

Latin American Studies

Required: No – but satisfies requirement for participation in government 12.

Restricted to Grade Levels: 12

Credit Value: .50

Prerequisite Skills/Courses: Strong previous performance in social studies and English courses.

Student Expense in This Course: $150.00 if taken for college credit, $150.00 for room and board at Model OAS.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: Study of the history and current set up of the Organization of American States (OAS). Specific study of the culture, current events issues, and position on international issues of one of the OAS member states (currently Columbia – changing every year). Reading a book on the nation is required. Study of debating, argumentation, diplomacy, questioning. Research and write a resolution that fits the policy of the nation we represent. Present and defend the resolution at the Model OAS Assembly. Participate in the Model OAS at SUNY Plattsburgh Assembly by questioning and voting on issue presented.

Major Units/Areas Explored: History of OAS, also the nation to be studied, and all areas that the OAS is currently dealing with.

Activities/Titles Required: Field trip to Ottawa, three-day trip to SUNY Plattsburgh for Model OAS Assembly, a book on the nation to be studied.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Class preparation, research, oral presentation, participation in Model OAS.

Back to top

French IV (SUNY Potsdam)

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: Grades 11-12.

Credit: 1; For a fee, students may earn 3 college credits from SUNY Potsdam for French 103.

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Levels I, II, and III; and successful completion of a final exam or project assessing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language.

Student Expense in This Course: Purchase of notebook. Additional fee determined annually by SUNY Potsdam for college credit.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: This course is the continuation of world language study beyond the successful completion of the level III final exam or project which assessed speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language. The goal is continued development of these four modes of communication to meet NYS Checkpoint C requirements.

Activities/Titles: In-depth study of grammar, including the subjunctive tense and increased vocabulary. Topics include many elements of the target culture (cuisine, music, art, and cinema) and literary selections in the target language.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Quizzes, exams, homework, projects, oral presentations, and class participation in the target language are evaluated.

Back to top

Spanish IV (SUNY Potsdam)

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: Grades 11-12.

Credit: 1; For a fee, students may earn 3 college credits from SUNY Potsdam for Spanish 103.

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Levels I, II, and III; and successful completion of a final exam or project assessing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language.

Student Expense in This Course: Additional fee determined annually by SUNY Potsdam for college credit.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: This course is the continuation of world language study beyond the successful completion of the level III final exam or project which assessed speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language. The goal is continued development of these four modes of communication to meet NYS Checkpoint C requirements.

Activities/Titles: In-depth study of grammar, including the subjunctive tense and increased vocabulary. Topics include many elements of the target culture (cuisine, music, art, and cinema) and literary selections in the target language.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Quizzes, exams, homework, projects, oral presentations, and class participation in the target language are evaluated.

Back to top

Spanish V (SUNY Potsdam)

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: Grade 12.

Credit: 1; For a fee, students may earn 3 college credits from SUNY Potsdam for Spanish 203.

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Levels I, II, III and IV; and successful completion of a final exam or project assessing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language.

Student Expense in This Course: Additional fee determined annually by SUNY Potsdam for college credit.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: This course is the final course in the world languages sequence. The goal is continued development of the four modes of communication (speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the target language) to meet NYS Checkpoint C requirements.

Activities/Titles: In-depth study of grammar, including the subjunctive tense and increased vocabulary. Topics include many elements of the target culture (cuisine, music, art, and cinema) and literary selections in the target language.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Quizzes, exams, homework, projects, oral presentations, and class participation in the target language are evaluated.

Back to top

Accounting 1 (SUNY Canton)

Required: For an accounting sequence; also, an excellent elective for anyone. (SUNY Canton College Credit).

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 11-12

Credit: 1 Student Expense in This Course: Approximately $180 for college credit (could vary).

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: A course designed to develop occupational competencies in accounting/bookkeeping. Course content encompasses the complete accounting cycle and provides opportunities for incorporation of computer utilization into the instruction. The first semester covers accounting for a service business organized as a proprietorship. The second semester covers accounting for a merchandising business organized as a corporation. Students successfully completing this course will have a foundation in accounting/bookkeeping concepts that may be applied to entry-level employment or enrich post-secondary study–a must for business administration majors at the college level.

Areas Explored: Journalizing transactions, posting to a general ledger, cash control systems, preparing a work sheet, financial statements, adjusting and closing entries, preparing payroll records.

Activities/Titles: Some introductory work will be done on the microcomputers using accounting applications.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): Portfolio assessment including problems and projects.

Typical Vocations Associated with the Course: Bookkeeper, account clerk, accountant.

Back to top

Pre-Calculus for College Credit (SUNY Canton)

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Algebra II with Common Core.

Student Expense in This Course: This course has dual enrollment through SUNY Canton at no cost to the student. Optional: $95-$125 TI_84Plus graphing calculator (may be used on all Regents Exams, SATs, and ACTs).

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: This course is designed as a preparation for calculus as well as a survey of advanced mathematics.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): As per Board of Education policy.

AP Calculus (College Credit)

Back to top

Statistics for College Credit (SUNY Canton)

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: 11-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite Courses/Skills Required: Geometry and Algebra II enrollment or Algebra II.

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: This is a course that introduces college statistics. This course has duel enrollment through SUNY Canton at no cost to the student.

Optional: $95-$125 TI 84Plus graphing calculator (may be used on all Regents exams, SATs, ACTs).

Areas Explored: Collecting Data and Drawing Conclusions, Summarizing Data, Randomness in Data, Inference from Data; Principles, Inference from Data: Comparisons, Inferences with Categorical Data, Relationships in Data.

Activities/Titles: Class participation, quizzes, tests, homework, projects and a local final at the end of the semester.

Grading Rubrics (methods of evaluation): As per Board of Education policy.

Back to top

Fundamentals of Public Speaking for College Credit (SUNY Canton)

Required: No.

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: Grades 11 & 12

Credit: 1

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: Public Speaking: Speaking clearly and comfortably in a public setting is an essential skill to possess. This course is an introduction to speech communication that provides instruction and experience in the preparation and delivery of speeches within a group and public setting. The course will also help develop techniques to use audiovisual aids and methods to lessen speaker anxiety. Students will not only read speeches in print, but they will also view different speeches given for various purposes. Students will learn to analyze, research, outline, and deliver short, informal presentations as well as longer speeches.

Back to top

Art of Storytelling for College Credit (SUNY Canton)

Required: No.

Suggested Year(s) of Completion: Grades 11 & 12

Credit: 1

Meets How Many Times Per Cycle: A & B days.

General Course Description: The Art of Storytelling course is designed for students who enjoy writing as a form of personal expression. Students will study literary genres, including short fiction, poetry, and drama. Students will engage in writing workshops, developmental writing lessons, author studies, peer reviews, and teacher/student writing conferences.

Back to top