AP Courses

HISD offers several AP math courses that prepare students for college-level work and future careers in math, science, and related fields. Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on their AP exam may receive college credit, depending on the college or university.

AP Precalculus

AP Precalculus helps students get ready for college math and science classes. Students practice using math models and functions and learn to look at problems in different ways—through graphs, equations, tables, and words. This course supports students who want to study subjects like physics, biology, health science, social science, or data science in college.

AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC 

These are advanced college-level calculus courses:

• AP Calculus AB teaches students about basic calculus, including rates of change (derivatives) and areas under curves (integrals).
• AP Calculus BC includes all the topics from AB, plus additional lessons on advanced topics like infinite sequences and series.
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  Both courses help students build strong math and problem-solving skills. 

  AP Statistics 

  AP Statistics introduces students to the basics of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Students learn how to find patterns, plan studies, use probability to predict outcomes, and make decisions using data.

HISD offers several AP science courses that prepare students for college-level science classes. These courses include hands-on labs and classroom investigations. Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on the AP exam may be eligible for college credit, depending on the college or university.

AP Biology 
AP Biology is a college-level course that helps students understand how living things work. Students take part in labs and activities to explore topics such as evolution, energy use in cells, how genetic information is passed on, and how systems in the body interact

AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is a college-level course that teaches students about the makeup and behavior of matter. Topics include atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, reaction rates, chemical balance (equilibrium), and energy changes in reactions (thermodynamics). Lab experiments help students apply what they learn.

AP Environmental Science 
This course focuses on how people and nature interact. Students learn about ecosystems, energy use, earth systems, the impact of humans on the environment, and sustainability. Labs and outdoor investigations help students apply science to real-world issues.

AP Physics 1 Algebra-Based
This course introduces students to the basics of physics using algebra. Topics include motion, forces, energy, waves, and electricity. Students do labs and hands-on activities to better understand how physical laws affect the world around us.

AP Physics 2 Algebra-Based
This course builds on AP Physics 1. It covers more advanced topics such as fluids, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. It is also algebra-based and includes lab investigations.

AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism
This is a college-level physics course for students interested in science or engineering. It uses calculus to explore electric forces, magnetic fields, circuits, and how electricity works. This course includes labs and is more advanced than the algebra-based physics courses.

AP Physics C Mechanics
This is a college-level physics course that uses calculus and is designed for students who plan to study physical science or engineering in college. Students explore topics such as motion, forces, energy, and momentum. The course includes hands-on labs and classroom activities to help students understand how objects move and interact.

AP Computer Science Principles

This course introduces students to the basics of computer science and how technology affects our world. Students learn about programming, how the internet works, data, cybersecurity, and how computers solve problems. This course helps students build problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a fun and creative way—no prior coding experience is needed.

AP Computer Science A 

This course focuses on programming using the Java language. Students learn how to design, write, and test code as they build software to solve real-world problems. It is similar to a first-semester college computer science course and is great for students interested in careers in technology or engineering.

Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on their AP Computer Science exams may be eligible for college credit, depending on the college or university.

AP Social Studies courses are college-level classes that help students build a deeper understanding of people, places, government, and how the world works. These courses teach students to think critically, analyze historical and current events, and understand data, documents, and different perspectives.

Students can take AP courses in a variety of subjects, including:

• AP Human Geography - Learn about how humans interact with the world and each other.
• AP World History: Modern - Study world events and civilizations from 1200 CE to today.
• AP United States History - Explore key people, events, and ideas in U.S. history.
• AP Macroeconomics - Understand how economies work at the national and global levels.
• AP Microeconomics - Learn how individuals and businesses make economic decisions.
• AP United States Government and Politics - Study how the U.S. government works and how citizens participate.
• AP Comparative Government and Politics - Compare governments from different countries.
• AP European History - Explore the history of Europe from 1450 to the present.
• AP Psychology- Learn about human behavior, thinking, and mental processes.
• AP African American Studies- Examine the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam may qualify for college credit, depending on the college or university.

AP World Language and Culture courses give students in grades 8–12 the chance to learn a foreign language at a college level. These classes help students improve their reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills by using real-world materials. Students also explore different cultures, including traditions, values, and ways of life.

AP World Languages Courses include: 

• AP Chinese Language and Culture
• AP French Language and Culture
• AP German Language and Culture
• AP Italian Language and Culture
• AP Japanese Language and Culture
• AP Latin
• AP Spanish Language and Culture
• AP Spanish Literature and Culture

College Credit Opportunity:
Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on their AP exam may be eligible to receive college credit, depending on the college or university.

Language Course Prerequisites
Before taking AP Language or Literature courses, students must earn credit for Level 1, 2, and 3 language courses. This can be done by completing the classes or by passing a Credit-by-Exam. Learn more at HISD Credit by Exam.

For more information about these courses, visit AP Central on College Board.