Advanced Placement Classes
Advanced Placement courses offer students an opportunity to take a course taught on a college level. Both enrichment and college credit are available to the dedicated student. Intensive classroom work, independent study, and research are an integral part of the program. The cost of taking AP Examinations is absorbed by the student. The examination is administered by the College Entrance Examination Board and a five-point college-level scale is used. According to the College Board, currently more than 90% of colleges and universities offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP scores. AP Examinations must be taken to receive the 10% weighting for grade point average and determining cohort group purposes, and to receive AP credit. A student enrolled in an AP course may, at mid-year, declare if they wish to take the AP exam. If they choose not to take this exam, the designation of the course will be changed to Honors, as per College Board Policy, and their grade will receive a 6% weighting.
Commack High School clearly seeks to challenge students to achieve at their highest level of ability through the AP program. The high school also offers advanced study options through cooperative programs with Adelphi, St. John’s and Syracuse Universities, and Long Island University/C.W. Post College. For further information, please read the Counseling Center Curriculum Guide.
IB mission statement
The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.