Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Pre-AP Courses

A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Students

Pre-AP courses are designed to prepare high school students for the rigor of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses provide a strong foundation in core academic skills and knowledge, setting students up for success in their future academic endeavors. On the other side, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). IB DP students are typically well-prepared if they have completed the MYP before entering the DP.

However, not all schools offer official Pre-AP or MYP programs. Sometimes, teachers in their respective departments modify the existing curriculum to make it more rigorous, resembling Pre-AP or MYP courses. These are not considered official Pre-AP or IB courses. As of January 2026, there are 2,673 schools in the United States offering official Pre-AP courses, and 11 schools in Canada offering official Pre-AP. Importantly, being a "Pre-AP school" does not mean the school offers every Pre-AP subject—for example, Pre-AP Algebra 1 is offered in 1,115 U.S. schools and 8 Canadian schools (out of the 11), and only 3 Canadian schools offer both Pre-AP Algebra 1 and Pre-AP Chemistry.

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What Are Pre-AP Courses?

Pre-AP courses are preparatory classes that aim to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for AP courses. These courses are typically offered to students in late middle school or early high school and are not intended to provide college credit.

Addressing Educational Needs with Pre-AP Courses

Pre-AP courses aim to address some of the weaknesses of AP courses by offering more flexibility and autonomy for teachers and students. Unlike AP courses, the final exam in Pre-AP is not mandatory, giving teachers the freedom to adapt their instruction. Pre-AP helps students recover from lost instructional time and achieve grade-level success through rigorous content and skills development.

Depth Over Pace

The program prioritizes depth over pace, ensuring meaningful engagement with essential knowledge.

Inclusive Learning

Pre-AP is inclusive, providing support for all learners, and avoids the misuse of standardized testing.

Grade-Appropriate Assignments

By focusing on grade-appropriate assignments and strong instructional practices, Pre-AP builds critical skills needed for AP, college, and career readiness.

Equitable Access

With no per-student charge, the program supports equitable access to high-quality education, enabling all students to realize their potential.

Official vs. Unofficial Pre-AP Courses

Official Pre-AP Courses

Developed by the College Board, these courses offer standardized curricula and materials to prepare students for AP classes.

Unofficial Pre-AP Courses

Offered by schools that may not have the official designation but still aim to prepare students for the challenges of AP coursework.

Exams

The final exam (not required), accessed through the Pre-AP online student resource, is a summative assessment that measures students' understanding of the course content. During the whole course, there are also online formative multiple-choice assessments (learning checkpoints) and printed performance tasks, which are presented over 140 class periods (based on 45-minute class periods) for a total of 28 weeks.

Important Note

Students can enroll in AP classes without taking Pre-AP courses, although these courses provide a helpful foundation. For instance, it is entirely possible to take AP Calculus AB after completing Algebra 2 in the US or Pre-Calculus 11 in Canada. If you have a knack for math, you can even take AP Calculus BC without having taken AP Calculus AB first.

Teacher Training

All teachers who conduct official Pre-AP courses must attend Pre-AP Summer Institute (Pre-APSI) courses. This training ensures that educators are well-prepared to deliver the curriculum effectively and meet the standards set by the College Board.

List of Pre-AP Courses

As of the publication of this article there are only 9 Pre-AP courses offered mostly in the USA (and almost 7 schools in Canada). Pre-AP courses are available in various subjects, including:

English

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Pre-AP World History and Geography

Arts

Honors vs. Pre-AP

Aspect	Honors Courses	Pre-AP Courses
Curriculum	Tailored by individual schools without a standardized curriculum	Standardized curriculum developed by the College Board
Purpose	Deepen understanding and prepare for higher-level courses	Specifically designed to prepare students for AP courses and exams
Rigor	Varies widely in rigor and focus	Consistent rigor with standardized framework
Pathway	Enhances academic rigor without standardized framework	Provides a clear pathway to AP exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics & Structure

What is Pre-AP?+

Pre-AP is a College Board program designed to build the academic skills students need to succeed in later AP-level coursework—such as close reading, evidence-based writing, analytical thinking, and problem solving. It is a preparation program and does not award college credit.

Who should take Pre-AP?+

Pre-AP is meant to be accessible to a wide range of students and is often used to expand readiness for advanced courses by strengthening core skills. Placement should reflect readiness and support—not just a narrow "top few" track.

Does Pre-AP give college credit?+

No. Pre-AP is not a college-credit program and does not generate AP exam scores. Its value is in skill development and readiness for future advanced coursework. Learn more about how AP courses impact college admissions.

Do you need Pre-AP before taking AP?+

No. Pre-AP can help, but it isn't required. Students can enroll in AP based on prerequisites, readiness, and school placement practices.

What official Pre-AP courses exist?+

College Board lists 12 official Pre-AP courses across English, math, science, world history/geography, and the arts. Availability depends on what your school offers. Explore our AP tutoring services if you need support.

How is Pre-AP different from Honors?+

Honors courses are typically designed by individual schools and can vary widely in rigor. Official Pre-AP uses College Board frameworks and materials designed specifically to develop AP-ready skills in a consistent way. Similarly, the IB MYP programme offers a standardized middle years curriculum.

If my school calls a class "Pre-AP," how do I know it's official?+

Ask whether your school is implementing the official College Board Pre-AP program (with Pre-AP frameworks/materials). Many schools use "pre-AP" informally to mean "advanced," which is not the same thing as official Pre-AP. You can also verify by checking the official AP Course Ledger, which lists all authorized Pre-AP and AP courses by school.

Are there Pre-AP exams?+

Pre-AP includes assessments and classroom supports, but it is not defined by a single mandatory external exam the way AP is. Schools may use various assessments to measure progress and readiness. Learn about strategies to prevent exam anxiety as you prepare.

Practical Considerations

What grade levels are Pre-AP courses for?+

Pre-AP is typically positioned before AP—commonly in early high school—so students build core skills before AP-level pace and complexity. Exact placement depends on your school's course sequence.

How hard is Pre-AP compared with AP?+

Pre-AP is challenging, but it usually emphasizes foundational academic skills and habits. AP is generally more college-level in content depth and exam pacing. Check out our guide and tips for AP students to prepare effectively.

Does Pre-AP improve AP results?+

Pre-AP can help because it builds the skills AP demands (analysis, argumentation, structured thinking). It's a strong runway when used well, though it's not a guarantee. Access our free AP resources to supplement your learning.

How much does Pre-AP cost students?+

Costs vary by school implementation. Pre-AP is typically offered as part of the regular school program (unlike AP exams, which have separate exam fees). Ask your school about any local course or material fees.

Do Pre-AP teachers get special training?+

College Board offers professional learning options, including Pre-AP Summer Institutes (Pre-APSI), to help teachers prepare to teach Pre-AP courses effectively.

How should we choose between Pre-AP, IB MYP, and Honors?+

Choose the pathway that matches what your school offers strongly and what the student can sustain successfully. Pre-AP is a skills runway to AP, MYP is an IB framework that can feed into IB Diploma, and Honors varies widely by school.

If my school doesn't offer AP classes, can I still take AP exams?+

Often, yes. College Board notes students can take AP Exams without taking the AP course, but exam registration typically must be arranged through a participating school or test site that administers AP Exams. Our AP tutoring services can help you prepare independently.

What's the smartest timeline to start advanced coursework?+

A common strategy is to build skills early (strong core courses, then Pre-AP/Honors where appropriate) and move into AP when ready—so grade 11–12 isn't overloaded. The goal is sustained performance and wellbeing.