AP Program
Advanced Placement is a rigorous academic program built on the commitment, passion, and hard work of students and educators from both secondary schools and higher education. Since 1955, the AP Program has enabled millions of students to earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admission process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers in the world.
The expertise of our AP faculty is conveyed by the students’ success on AP examinations and the teachers’ involvement as district and national leaders. Due to the multiple roles that our teachers play within Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the College Board, Varela’s percentage of qualifying scores is among the best in the state of Florida. In fact, approximately 80% of our AP courses exceed District, State, and National qualifying rates.
Benefits of AP Courses
Advanced Placement courses help students acquire the skills and habits needed to succeed in college. AP students improve their writing skills, sharpen their problem-solving abilities, and develop time management skills, discipline, and study habits.
A 2008 study found that AP students had better four-year graduation rates than those students who did not take AP. For instance, graduation rates for those who took AP English Literature were 62 percent higher than graduation rates for those who took other English courses in high school.
Taking AP also increases eligibility for scholarships and makes candidates more attractive to colleges:
- 31 percent of colleges and universities consider a student’s AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive scholarships.
- 85 percent of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admissions decisions.
Capstone Diploma Program
To learn more about AP Capstone, please visit our Capstone Program page at https://varelahighschool.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/FV-Capstone-One-sheet.pdf.
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