AP Capstone Program

Advanced Placement Program

Students wanting a more rigorous curriculum are encouraged to enroll in our Advanced Placement (AP) Program. The AP Program is well known as a college preparatory program that allows students to earn college credit while in high school. Through this program, students are not only better prepared for college, but can also graduate earlier, saving both time and money.

Click here for more information About Honors and AP Programs.

Click here for more information about AP Courses.

AP Capstone Program

Waltrip is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in the AP Capstone Diploma and Certification program. The Capstone program allows students to demonstrate their college readiness by completing a minimum of six college level courses. Students completing the program will receive an AP distinction on their transcripts and eighteen hours of college credit. For more information please visit our Capstone Page.

For more information contact:

Angel Martinez, Dean of Instruction - CCMR

Email: angel.martinez@houstonisd.org

Phone: 713-688-1361

Want to know more?

About our AP Program

Overview

The Advanced Placement (AP) and the Honors programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to take college preparatory and college-level courses while in high school. Utilizing college preparatory and college level class expectations, including a college curriculum or textbook, students learn through an advanced level of instruction and then have an opportunity to show what they have learned by taking AP assessments. Colleges and universities often grant credit, placement, or both to these students based on the student's exam score.

The content and curricular goals of each AP discipline are outlined in course descriptions provided by the College Board and a course syllabus provided by the teacher. All course syllabi are reviewed and approved by the College Board and the Dean of Instruction. AP courses are characterized by offering college level content, an accelerated pace, and higher level assessment methods.

Successful AP students are task-oriented, proficient readers, self-starters that utilize appropriate study habits and have parental support. The courses are designed to cultivate skills that extend beyond the classroom environment and have long-term application. Students are expected to take ownership for the material and prepare for the courses while in school and after school hours.

Honors courses are designed to prepare students for AP and college courses. While not part of the AP curriculum, these courses are a valuable part of Waltrip's advanced academic program. Each honors course is designed to provide rigorous instruction of state expectations while incorporating the skills that will be utilized in AP and college coursework. Students successfully completing honors coursework are typically better prepared for the expectations of AP and college courses.

Entrance and Selection

Students entering Waltrip High School as ninth grade students are evaluated based on a number of criteria. Honors students are selected based on prior enrollment in honors courses, successful completion of those courses, and performance on standardized exams such as STAAR or PSAT. Waltrip utilizes AP Potential to identify students with a high likelihood of succeeding in honors and AP courses.

Those students currently enrolled at Waltrip High School may enter the program by approaching their grade level principal, grade level counselor, or Dean of Instruction, Mr. Angel Martinez. The appropriateness of entry will be determined by examining standardized scores, AP potential, and teacher recommendation. If it is determined that a student should meet the entry requirements, the student will be assigned the appropriate courses.

If a student does not meet the entry requirements, they will not be enrolled in the courses. A parent or student may challenge the decision by contacting the school. If the child is placed in an Honors or AP course, the student will be expected to sign an entrance agreement indicating that they will complete expectations for the course and seek instructional support when needed.

Honors and AP Course Expectations

Students will maintain an 80% average in all AP and Honors courses. If the student falls below an 80%, the student is expected to attend appropriate tutorials and seek instructional support.
Students will read assignments prior to the class meeting. Class time is for instruction and clarifying information. Prior assignments are critical in reaching the depth needed to access information.
Students will be expected to study 2-5 hours per course each week. The AP exams cover a large amount of information. It is not possible to address all possible topics in class. Therefore, students are expected to extend their learning outside the scheduled class time.
Teachers will provide a syllabus outlining policies for their individual classes. All students are expected to comply with expectations for the course.

Entrance Considerations

Prior to enrolling in Honors and AP Courses, it is helpful to reflect on the expectations and the student's prior performance. Some important considerations include:

Is the student currently enrolled in honors coursework? If so, have they been successful?
These courses often have more expectations at home. Will the student meet the expectations outside the school day?
Does the student enjoy rigorous work?
Has the student used an organizer or planner to keep up with their assignments? Is someone available to help facilitate these skills at home?
How well does the student handle stressful situations and deadlines?
Does the student have a job or outside expectations that will inhibit their ability to study or prepare for the course?
Will the student take the corresponding exam for the course?
As a parent, are you realistic about your child meeting these expectations?

If you are interested in enrolling in AP Courses, speak with your classroom teacher, grade level Assistant Principal, grade level counselor, or email our Dean of Instruction, Mr. Angel Martinez.

AP Courses

Waltrip High School is proud to offer a variety of AP courses to challenge our students. Each course is designed to meet college expectations and content. Students are encouraged to review the descriptions and expectations for each course.

Art History

Explore the history of art across the globe from prehistory to the present. You'll analyze works of art through observation, discussion, reading, and research.

Biology

Study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. You'll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate natural phenomena.

Calculus AB

Explore the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus. You'll work to understand the theoretical basis and solve problems by applying your knowledge and skills.

Chemistry

Learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. You'll do hands-on lab investigations and use chemical calculations to solve problems. Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.

Drawing

Develop your skills in drawing as you explore different media and approaches. You'll create artwork that reflects your own ideas and skills and what you've learned.

English Language and Composition

Learn about the elements of argumentation and composition as you develop your critical-reading and writing skills. You'll read and analyze nonfiction works from various periods and write essays with different aims: for example, to explain an idea, argue a point, or persuade your reader of something.

English Literature and Composition

Learn how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from various periods and cultures. You'll read literary works and write essays and support your analysis of them.

Environmental Science

Explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. You'll take part in laboratory investigations and field work.

French Language and Culture

Develop your French language skills and learn about the cultures in French-speaking parts of the world. You'll practice communicating in French and study real-life materials such as newspaper articles, films, music, and books.

Human Geography

Explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. You'll use the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine the patterns of human population, migration, and land use.

Macroeconomics

Explore the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. You'll use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain concepts.

Music Theory

Learn to recognized, understand, and describe the basic materials and processes of music. You'll develop skills by listening to, reading, writing, and performing a wide variety of music.

Physics 1

Learn about the foundational principles of physics as you explore Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power, mechanical waves and sound; and introductory simple circuits. You'll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate phenomena. Note: Save your lab notebooks and reports; colleges may ask to see them before granting you credit.

Psychology

Explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You'll examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion, and you'll analyze data from psychological research studies.

Research (Capstone Diploma requirement)

Build on what you learned in AP Seminar to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, you will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. (Prerequisite: AP Seminar)

Spanish Language and Culture

Develop your Spanish language skills and learn about the cultures in Spanish-speaking parts of the world. You'll practice communicating in Spanish and study real-life materials such as newspaper articles, films, music, and books.

Statistics

Learn about the major concepts and tools used for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. You'll explore statistics through discussion and activities, and you'll design surveys and experiments.

Seminar (Capstone Diploma requirement)

Develop and practice the skills in research, collaboration, and communication that you will need in any academic discipline. You'll investigate topics in a variety of subject areas, write research-based essays, and design and give presentations both individually and as part of a team. (Not open to Seniors)

United States Government and Politics

Study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. You'll read, analyze, and discuss the U.S. Constitution and other documents as well as complete a research or applied civic project.

United States History

Study the cultural, economic, political and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. You'll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.

World History: Modern

Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. You'll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.

AP Capstone Diploma

AP Capstone is designed to facilitate the development of the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are necessary to succeed in college courses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based arguments.

The Capstone program offers students two ways of demonstrating their college preparedness. Students successfully completing the program expectations will receive an AP Capstone Diploma upon graduation. This distinction indicates that you have completed college level research and coursework.

Alternatively, students completing only the AP Seminar and AP Research courses will receive an AP Seminar and Research Certificate. The certificate notifies colleges that you have successfully conducted college level research.