Advanced Placement Program
Notre Dame is thrilled to offer the Advanced Placement Program starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
The Advanced Placement program offers Notre Dame students the opportunity to challenge themselves with university-level coursework, earn post-secondary credit, and develop essential skills for success in higher education.
Upcoming Information Session for Grade 7/8 Students
Thursday, October 29th • 6:00 – 8:00 PM
2333 Headon Forest Dr, Burlington
Registration is NOT required to attend this in-person session
What is Advanced Placement?
Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer university-level content to students in secondary school. Students in AP and AP prep programmes study topics in greater depth, providing an opportunity for enhanced learning.
The rich course material, classroom discussion and unique assignments typical of AP courses help to develop the knowledge and the critical thinking skills in students that are university bound.
AP is recognized by post-secondary institutions in more than 30 countries worldwide, including 90% of north American colleges and universities.
What is AP Prep Placement?
AP prep is an advanced series of courses for students to help begin preparing for university and is designated to be a rigorous preparation for AP courses in Grade 12.
The courses are intended to be challenging, but the benefits to students are well worth the extra work.
AP Prep Program
For a description of courses and samples of exams for each AP subject, please visit www.apcentral.collegeboard.com. There are over 30 AP courses in the syllabus. Please check back soon for more information.
Description of the Learner
Students who are high achievers (level 4) in the core subject areas can apply for enrollment in the AP prep program. AP students are motivated and dedicated to schoolwork, committed to homework, and extra reading and research. They are responsible, able to multitask, prioritize activities, and meet deadlines. AP students are prepared and organized, and can successfully work both independently and collaboratively.
Assessment and Evaluation
- Offers a rich, rigorous, and thoughtful university level curriculum, with accommodations if required.
- Students who successfully complete an AP examination have the opportunity to receive university credit or advanced standing depending on the policy of the specific university.
- Former AP students speak of their easier transition from secondary school to university owing to the strong academic skills, knowledge, and academic confidence gained through participation in the AP program.
- Students do not have to write the AP examination; it is an option. The main objective of the course is to provide students with an excellent preparation for University.
Advantages for the Student
- Students will be evaluated according to the Ministry’s assessment and evaluation policy documents. AP Exam marks in grade 12 are independent of the school marks given for the course..
- For the school based mark, the students will be evaluated on the appropriate grade level curriculum expectations and, in addition, will reflect the differentiated content of the AP prep and AP courses.
- Students will have the opportunity to earn up to 5% for successful completion of curriculum extensions.
- The course mark as determined above will be multiplied by 1.05 to determine the mark that will be reported on the Provincial Report Card.
Advantages for the Parent
- Potential for a reduction of university costs for son/daughter upon entering university.
- No additional costs to parent, other than the cost of writing the exam (approximately $150 per exam).
- Opportunity to view the program’s curriculum alignment of expectations in each subject area as a whole, understanding how each course is a foundation for the next course.
- Opportunity to view son/daughter excel in a program which challenges their child to develop and demonstrate high order critical thinking skills and study habits, as well as transition into a post secondary education with greater ease and success.
Applying for AP
AP prep applications will be available to all students entering Notre Dame for grade 9. Admission to the AP Program beyond grade 9 is handled on a case by case basis through Student Services and school administration.
Please check back soon for specific dates and application process details.