Pre-AP classes are a newly introduced class type from College Board, the organization that oversees AP classes. These classes were first set to be implemented during the 2018-2019 school year, but the COVID-19 pandemic breaking out overshadowed news of the rollout.

College Board’s goal for the Pre-AP classes is to make AP classes more accessible to a wider student body by preparing all students for the rigor of AP classes. These classes replace the base level of college prep classes, making Pre-AP classes the “normal” classes. 

The title of “Pre-AP” isn’t just to denote that the class is meant to be a preparatory class. There are some major differences between Pre-AP and AP classes, with the most notable being that you don’t get college credit for completing the class, as the purpose of Pre-AP is to prepare you for the actual AP classes which do give college credit. Pre-AP classes are also more difficult than college prep classes, with a faster pace more similar to honors classes than college prep classes.

So far, Pre-AP classes are aimed at high school freshmen, with a few for sophomores. New pre-AP classes may be designed for middle schoolers in the future, but for now, these classes are for high schoolers only.

Previously, any class meant to prepare students for AP classes could be labeled as “Pre-AP”, but now there’s an official curriculum set for Pre-AP classes made by College Board. It requires a certain certification by the teachers who wish to teach the classes, to ensure a standard of quality.

There’s a wide variety of pre-AP classes that have already been introduced. There are core classes such as Algebra, English, Biology and Geography, but there are also quite a few non-core classes such as visual arts, music, theatre and dance.

There are many possible benefits to Pre-AP classes. Maybe Chapman should implement Pre-AP classes.