At YES Prep, we are committed to preparing every student for college. One way we do this is through Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP classes give students a chance to learn at a college level while still in high school. These courses are designed to challenge students, helping them think critically, build strong study habits, and dive deeper into subjects like math, science, and history. 

To help students succeed in college, YES Prep requires all students to complete at least three AP classes before graduation. AP courses are a proven way to prepare for college, and we believe they are the best option for YES Prep students. Let’s explore how AP classes compare to Dual Credit and why we prioritize AP for our students' success. 

What Are AP and Dual Credit Courses? 

Advanced Placement (AP): AP courses are standardized college-level classes offered in high school. These courses culminate in a College Board-administered AP Exam, where students can earn college credit with scores of 3 or higher (on a 5-point scale). 

Dual Credit: These courses allow high school students to earn college and high school credits simultaneously through partnerships with local colleges. Credit recognition varies significantly between colleges, especially those out of state. 

Why AP Stands Out 

Widely Recognized and Respected 

AP courses are universally recognized by colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. The AP designation signals rigorous academic preparation, and many institutions award college credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP Exam scores. At YES Prep, each of our secondary schools offers at least 10 AP courses from which students can choose.  

Dual Credit often faces limitations. Colleges evaluate these credits individually, and not all institutions, particularly private universities and out-of-state universities, accept them. 

National Standard of Excellence 

Each AP course is modeled on an introductory college course and concludes with a standardized AP exam in May. This ensures that all students, regardless of location or school, are assessed using the same criteria. At YES Prep, our common assessments are designed to reflect AP exam standards, and our curriculum is both rigorous and aligned to AP expectations. 

Dual Credit courses lack this uniformity, with grading and assessments varying by instructor and institution. This inconsistency can impact how colleges perceive the rigor of these courses. 

AP Strengthens College Readiness 

AP courses demand critical thinking, time management, and advanced writing skills—essential tools for success in college. At YES Prep, students enrolled in more AP courses are statistically more likely to matriculate to and persist in college. 

Dual Credit courses can place students in higher-level college classes right away, which may make it harder to adjust to college expectations. AP courses help students build the skills they need to succeed in college before they arrive. 

AP Provides Access for All Students 

All students have access to AP courses, giving everyone the opportunity to experience college-level learning while still in high school. At YES Prep, we provide access to rigorous coursework for all students, ensuring every student, regardless of their starting point, can prepare for the demands of college and build confidence in their ability to succeed. 

Dual Credit courses are only available to students who meet college-readiness standards, such as passing the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA). This can limit access for students who may not yet test at a college-ready level but are still capable of growing academically with the right support.  

Why AP Courses Give YES Prep Students an Edge 

At YES Prep, AP courses give students a head start on their future. AP is about pushing themselves to grow, prepare for what’s next, and prove that they can handle whatever college throws their way. 

• Boost GPAs and Stand Out: AP courses add extra points to students’ GPAs and show colleges that they are ready for advanced academic work. It’s a great way for students to raise their grades and stand out from the crowd. 

• Earn College Credit at No Cost: Passing an AP Exam can earn students' college credit without spending a dime! YES Prep covers all AP Exam fees and materials. That means saving time and money when students get to college. 

• Strengthen College and Scholarship Applications: Colleges and scholarships look for students who take AP courses because it proves they are ready to succeed, making them stronger candidates for acceptance and financial awards. AP also helps students build a resume that screams success. 

• Pursue Your Interests: With at least 10 AP courses offered at every YES Prep campus, students can explore subjects that match their interests. Students can dive deeper into these subjects while also getting ready for their future career or major. 

AP courses aren’t about being perfect. AP empowers students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and achieve more than they thought possible. 

AP Enrollment Expectations at YES Prep 

YES Prep ensures students are well-prepared for college by requiring enrollment in at least three AP courses by graduation: 

• By 10th Grade: 1 AP course completed 

• By 11th Grade: 2 AP courses completed 

• By 12th Grade: 3 AP courses completed 

In fact, successfully completing and passing 1 AP course is required in order to graduate from YES Prep. During the annual course selection process, families are encouraged to discuss options with their child and access tools like Skyward Family Access to review graduation plans and schedules. 

AP Courses Offered at YES Prep 

YES Prep offers a robust selection of AP courses across seven subject categories, including: 

• AP Environmental Science 

• AP Calculus AB 

• AP English Language and Composition 

• AP Spanish Language and Culture 

• AP US History 

 

For a full list of AP courses and their availability at each campus, consult your school’s director of college counseling. 

YES Prep’s AP Success 

Eleven YES Prep secondary schools have earned national recognition on the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll, showcasing our students’ achievements and our teachers’ commitment to academic excellence. 

While Dual Credit and AP courses both provide pathways to college readiness, AP courses offer unmatched benefits in rigor, recognition, and preparation. By requiring AP courses, YES Prep ensures that every student graduates ready to excel in college and beyond. 

For more information on AP courses at YES Prep, visit yesprep.org/ap.