The Advanced Placement (AP) Program gives students the opportunity to pursue college-level difficulty studies while in high school.  In order to receive AP course weighting and the AP course distinction, students MUST take the AP tests in May.  Scoring at certain levels in these tests may allow the students to receive advanced placement and/or credit upon entering college. During the 2025-26 school year, the following Advanced Placement courses may be offered at Donegal High School:

            Advanced Studies:  Capstone course: AP Seminar and AP Research

Art:     AP Art and Design

            English:  AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition

            Mathematics:  AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP Statistics

            Science:  AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science

            Social Studies:  AP United States History, AP Psychology, AP Government and Politics, and AP Human Geography

Students who elect to take a number of AP courses may find it difficult to schedule them all.  Planning ahead is very important in this situation and consultation with a counselor may help the scheduling process.  All AP courses are weighted 1.3 when calculating a student’s grade point average.  Students enrolling in an AP course will be required to take the AP exam.  There is a fee associated with the exam.  (i.e. 2024-25 fee $99.00 per exam and $147 for AP Seminar and AP Research) Students who have financial need should contact their school counselor. 

Students who elect to take an Advanced Placement (AP) course should understand the rigor that is involved in an AP course mirrors what they will face at a post-secondary institution.   When enrolling in an AP course, students are making a yearlong commitment; however, if deemed academically eligible, a student’s parents/guardians may request to be withdrawn from an AP course (Preferably at the end of the first semester).  A student may be withdrawn from an AP class only after consulting with the teacher and parent/guardian concerning the student’s grades and work ethic.   The withdrawal request will then be forwarded to administration for approval.   If approval is given, the student will receive credit for the first semester of the course, and the grade will be factored into the calculation of the student’s GPA.  Courses dropped will be noted on the permanent record as "WP"(student had a passing grade at the time the course was dropped); or, "WF" (student had a failing grade at the time the course was dropped). The determination of WP or WF is assigned by the administration.  Students who drop AP courses mid-year will be subject to a $40.00 change fee per College Board policy.  The student permitted to withdraw will then be scheduled for an alternate class. Students should be aware that a requested class may not be available due to various factors including availability and class size, and they may be enrolled in a class not of their choosing.