On-line AP sources

[momofkhm]

So I've asked and there seem to be no local AP classes for homeschoolers. Who does on-line AP? Have you tried more than one source?

 

I know about Patrick Henry Prep and PA homeschoolers. Are there others? No don't go all anti-HSLDA about PH Prep. Is the program good? Is one better than the other?

 

Thanks!

[Jane in NC]

The NC Virtual Public School offers AP classes. In order to enroll, you'll have to find someone at a local public school who is willing to register your student and then administer the AP exam. From the website:

 

One option for home-schooled and private school students to participate in NCVPS courses is a school system’s Visiting Students’ policy. This policy may permit students to enroll in NCVPS courses through the local school systems’ access to the NCVPS registration system. Student grades would be reported by NCVPS to the local school system. Participation by home-schooled students is a decision made by school system administrators.

Check with your local school district for policies and procedures related to home school and private school enrollment in your county. All local schools rules will apply.

 

When my son enrolled in an AP course through this program, it was free. There may be a charge now.

 

One huge benefit though is that the local school commits to giving the exam to your student. The first time my son did an AP class (via self study), we had a heck of a time finding a school to administer the exam. Your local system or area private schools may be more accommodating.

[Candid]

The NC Virtual Public School offers AP classes. In order to enroll, you'll have to find someone at a local public school who is willing to register your student and then administer the AP exam. From the website:

 

 

When my son enrolled in an AP course through this program, it was free. There may be a charge now.

 

One huge benefit though is that the local school commits to giving the exam to your student. The first time my son did an AP class (via self study), we had a heck of a time finding a school to administer the exam. Your local system or area private schools may be more accommodating.

 

Hey Jane, can you comment more on the enrollment process? I'd like to know in general the kind of school system you are in (rural/urban, small/large, etc) and who you approached and what you said. Were you turned down and had to go up the chain? Etc.

[MommyThrice]

Ds is taking AP Engl Lang & Comp from PHPrep right now. I can't believe how organized they are. We've had bad luck with some online classes (not AP) and grading. PH Prep laid out a syllabus and grading at the start of the year and they have stuck with it - to the point that my son knows exactly how much every single assignment will count towards his final grade. Of course, the real test is how does it prepare for the AP test - that remains to be seen, but they do publish PHP AP test statistics, and they are very good.

[HodgesSchool]

Although I don't have any experience with them, I've heard good things about Virtual High School classes. They are not a homeschool provider specifically, but they do allow homeschool students.

 

http://www.govhs.org/Pages/Academics-Catalog

[Jane in NC]

Hey Jane, can you comment more on the enrollment process? I'd like to know in general the kind of school system you are in (rural/urban, small/large, etc) and who you approached and what you said. Were you turned down and had to go up the chain? Etc.

 

Rural county-wide system.

 

Before enrolling my son in the NCVPS, I had already made a connection in one of the high school counseling offices in order for my son to take an AP exam. Admittedly this had been a pain in the neck.

 

The AP Course Ledger indicated that three public high schools in my county were offering AP Bio that year. I also knew that a private school in a nearby larger city was also offering the course. Given that many posters on the boards reported private schools were often more willing to give stadardized exams to homeschoolers, I contacted that school first. The secretary of the head master told me she thought it would be fine and that I would hear back from them. I did not. After two weeks I phoned again and learned that their policy excluded non-enrolled students. Back to the drawing board.

 

Apparently the staff at my local high school does not answer their phone. I made repeated attempts to talk to a counselor. I tried another high school where they did answer the phone. The idea of a homeschooled student taking an exam onsite was a novelty for them. They weren't sure about the policy. So I phoned the county office where I played telephone ping-pong. About a week later I heard from a "cut to the chase" sort of administrator who gave me the name of a counselor at a third high school. "No problem. She'll do this."

 

So finally we had a name, a phone number and, most importantly, a place for my son to take AP exams and the PSAT. This counselor gladly enrolled him in an AP class through the NC Virtual Public School. She was dedicated not only to her assigned students but teenagers in general. What a gem!

 

Every year there is panic when parents try to find a high school that is willing to administer AP exams. I fully understand this. Some school systems may have policies in place that allow home school students on the premises, but you really need to find a willing counselor to work with you. (Given that we pay taxes too I find it irritating that counselors are not willing to cut a bit of slack.)

 

Good luck. If you want to PM me with your location, I might be able to supply you with the name of a great counselor!

 

Jane