Honors/Pre-AP Humanities
Honors/Pre-AP courses are offered for students of outstanding promise in Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies. Honors study in one or more of these areas should be based upon consideration of the student’s ability to engage in a program that is both accelerated and strengthened.
(AP) Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered through the College Board and standardized in that they prepare students to take a national comprehensive examination at the end of the course. Saratoga students are encouraged, but not required, to sit for the exam. There is a fee charged by the College Board for each AP test, and any credits earned are dependent on that AP exam score. Many colleges will award credits to students who earn scores of 5, 4, or 3, while others might waive a requirement. The best way for students to learn how prospective colleges handle AP credits is to consult the institution directly.
Dual Enrollment: University in High School, College in High School (UHS/CHS)
Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to earn college credit while completing their graduation requirements. Saratoga designates courses as college level on the high school transcript and grants credit towards high school; but the college in which the student enrolls decides whether to award credit. All students enrolled in classes through SUNY Adirondack and Schenectady County Community College must complete the Saratoga Certificate of Residency process found at Certificate of Residency – County of Saratoga, New York.
UHS/CHS Course Offerings
University of Albany
- Science Research
- United States History
- Public Policy in Modern America
- Exploring Teaching as a Profession
- Introduction to Psychology
SUNY Adirondack
- Accounting
- Business Law
- Principles of Marketing
- Principles of Management
- English Composition
- Statistics
- Physics 1
- Physics 2
- Environmental Science
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- French 4
- French 5
- Spanish 4
- Spanish 5
- Drawing 1
- Music 1
SUNY Schenectady
- Exploring Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports Rhetoric & Writing
- Literature and Identity (AmerExpMulti)
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Introduction to Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Civil Engineering/Architecture
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Principles of Engineering & Development
- Principles of Biomedical Sciences
- Human Body Systems
- Medical Interventions
Siena
- Web Design
- Python & Multimedia
- Software Engineering
Recommended Criteria for Honors/Pre-AP/Advanced Programs/Dual Enrollment Courses
Students who are successful in AP, Honors, and college-level courses are typically those who enjoy an accelerated pace, are motivated by academic challenge, and are comfortable engaging in deeper, more independent study. These courses often include a heavier workload, more complex assignments, and higher-stakes assessments. Because these classes move quickly, there are usually fewer opportunities for resubmission or revision of major assignments.
If a student is considering moving to a more rigorous level than they are currently studying, it is essential that they speak with their current teacher and their school counselor. These conversations help students and families fully understand the expectations, demands, and supports available so they can make the most informed decision.
When deciding whether an advanced course is the right fit, students and families should reflect on the student’s comfort with workload, time management, testing, reading and writing expectations, and the pace of instruction.
Open Enrollment (Self-Selection for College, Honors and AP courses)
Open enrollment implies that we support students challenging themselves, but at an appropriate level for the student. Teachers and department heads are a great resource regarding appropriate course placement for your child.