Part of Christ Presbyterian Academy’s mission is to challenge every student’s academic ability and motivate each student in his/her pursuit of academic excellence. Our students have diverse ability levels, and CPA offers college-preparatory courses as well as Honors and Advanced Placement courses to meet these needs. The student-placement process will identify and address the specific academic needs of the individual student.
The following are strong indicators that a student will be successful in the specific course levels:
College-Preparatory Level (CP)
- Can handle college-preparatory curriculum
- Can understand the major concepts of the content
- Is motivated to complete tasks
- Is prepared to do outside reading
- Can begin to move towards a higher level of critical-thinking skills
Honors Level (H)
- Is self-directed and self-motivated
- Can handle higher-level critical thinking
- Can handle several outside projects
- Can handle a faster pace for mastery
- Tests, grades and homework will be at a more detailed level
Advanced-Placement Level (AP)
- Is more responsible for individual academic achievement/progress
- Mature and highly motivated
- Can grasp concepts through independent study
- Able to synthesize understanding of content with new and varied approach
- Can handle a quicker, in-depth pace
Honors Courses
- Enrollment in an Honors course requires an average grade of at least 88 in the preceding year, review of standardized test scores, and/or recommendation of the previous year’s instructor.
Advanced-Placement Courses
The AP courses offered at CPA include: Computer Science Principles, English Language, English Literature, Capstone Seminar, Spanish Language, Latin, Calculus AB and BC, Probability and Statistics, Physics C: Mechanics, Chemistry II, Biology II, Studio Art, Psychology, US Government, US History, and European History. AP fees will be paid in advance at registration. All students enrolled in an AP course take the AP test. AP courses are more difficult than college prep or honors courses and are designed to prepare students for the AP exams given in May. Upon passing the AP exam, as determined by individual colleges and universities, students may receive college credit. Due to the amount of work involved in AP courses, it is recommended that students should also take a study hall.
Students with a C- or below in an AP course will be required to take the regular course final exam in addition to the AP exam.