Academics

Advanced Placement (AP)

A wide range of AP classes affords students the opportunity to pursue college-level instruction and the option of college credit within the high school setting. We currently offer an impressive array of 21 different AP courses on the high school campus. These classes are designed for students who wish to elevate the rigor of their high school experience. These courses use a challenging and nationally aligned college curriculum and textbook for instruction. Extensive reading, writing, and independent thought are expectations of these accelerated courses. These academic skills will be refined and improved throughout the class. These classes prepare students to take advanced placement exams in May. Colleges and universities issue credit based on exam scores.

WOHS is proud to offer the most Advanced Placement courses of any high school in West Michigan. Our team of AP teachers is highly committed to eliminating the expectations gap and the opportunity gap, as we strive to provide access to AP courses for all students who want to challenge themselves. We are proud to report that over 73% of our AP students achieve qualifying scores of 3+ on AP exams each year. This far outpaces the Michigan average of 65% and global average of 60%.
Todd Tulgestke, Assistant Superintendent

FAQWant to learn more about this program?

Please contact your high school counselor if you wish to become enrolled for an AP course or to learn further information or Kate Farney.

Kate Farney, BA
English Teacher, Advanced Placement Coordinator and
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Coordinator
West Ottawa High School
o: 616-786-1100 x7152

AP/IB Office Hours:
M, W, F: 12:50 – 3:00 p.m.
T, TH: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Why would I want to take an AP course?

You may want to take an AP course if:

you want to gain the edge in college preparation,
you want to stand out in the college admissions process, or
you want to broaden your intellectual horizons.

AP & IB Exam Schedule

Click here to access the 2024 AP & IB Exam Schedule

What GPA should I have to take an AP class?

It is recommended that students have a 3.0 overall GPA prior to enrolling in AP courses as an indicator of readiness for this level of challenge. If a student wishes to take an AP class and does not yet have a 3.0 GPA, it is recommended that they confer with the course instructor.

What courses are offered for AP?

West Ottawa offers the following AP course choices:

Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
English Language
English Literature
Environmental Science
French
Macroeconomics
Physics
Spanish
Statistics
Studio Art
U.S. Government
U.S. History
World History

Please contact your counselor to learn more specific information regarding each course or visit our online course guide website.

Where can I find out more information regarding AP Courses?

For more information about AP classes, exams, practice tests and more, please visit apcentral.collegeboard.com