Course Catalog

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Click here to access our 2022-2023 Course Catalog



About Advanced Placement

AP can change your life. Through college-level AP courses, you enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP Exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. Advanced Placement courses give you a head start on college while you’re still in the supportive environment of a high school classroom. Taking the end-of-course AP Exam sends a powerful message to colleges and universities that you’re ready for them, and can enable you to gain admission, college credit, and placement into advanced courses.

With 21 AP Courses offered across 7 subject areas, AP offers something for everyone. The only requirements are a strong curiosity about the subject you plan to study and the willingness to work hard. Here are just a few reasons to sign up:

Gain the Edge in College Preparation
  • Get a head start on college-level work.
  • Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
  • Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
  • Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
  • Show your willingness to push yourself to the limit.
  • Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
  • Explore the world from a variety of perspectives, most importantly your own.
  • Study subjects in greater depth and detail.
  • Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself.
What classes are offered?
  • Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio
  • Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio
  • Studio Art: 3-D Design Portfolio
  • English Language and Composition
  • English Literature and Composition
  • United States Government and Politics
  • European History
  • Human Geography
  • Psychology
  • United States History
  • World History
  • Calculus AB
  • Calculus BC
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Physics 1
  • Spanish Language and Culture
  • French Language and Culture
How do I enroll?

South High School is committed to equitable access as a guiding principle for enrollment in AP courses. We firmly believe that all students should have an opportunity to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs.

Once you’ve decided to take the AP challenge it’s easy to enroll

  • Talk to an AP teacher, Counselor, or Mr. Jake Jacoby the AP Coordinator at South High School about the course(s) you want to take. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation you might need.
  • Attend the annual AP Night meeting held each May and sign your AP contract, meet with your instructors, and get a jump-start on your AP courses.
What if I struggle in my AP course(s)?

South High School has built in academic support periods in the master schedule. AP teachers are available to provide support to help your AP experience be successful. Talk with your AP teachers or counselor about these academic support periods.

About Concurrent Enrollment

Another college credit bearing program, Concurrent Enrollment (CE) allows students to earn high school credits toward graduation as well as transferable college credits at the same time. Students receive 3 college credits per semester through the Community College of Denver (CCD) or the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) in courses designated as Guaranteed Transfer to all public colleges in Colorado. CE courses are available both on-campus at South and offsite at Auraria. Concurrent Enrollment courses are paid for by DPS, saving both time and money and easing the transition to college.

On-Campus Offerings
  • Civil War History
  • College English Composition
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Political Science

In addition, students can take any course, for which they qualify, off-campus at our CE partners, CCD and CU Denver. South Counselors work with students to adjust their schedule as needed to support travel to Auraria and enrollment in CE classes.

How do I enroll?

See your Counselor to complete the required paperwork, apply to the college through which you’d like to take classes, and get registered!

About Honors Classes

Accelerated (Honors) classes are designed to enrich students’ knowledge and understanding of course content. To gain this enrichment, students are required to complete certain assignments in addition to those given as part of the regular coursework.

Students who take Honors courses stand out in the college admissions process. By engaging in these courses, students demonstrate maturity and readiness for college and emphasize their commitment to academic excellence.

Seal of Biliteracy

Opportunity for students to get a seal on both their transcript and on their diploma. They get a cord at graduation and there is a district-wide awards ceremony. It is available in ANY world language demonstrating bi-literate and bi-lingual.