For the past six years, the high school has collaborated with UALR to bring free concurrent credit classes to students.  However, beginning with the fall 2013, students will be billed by UALR for each AP and concurrent credit class they take.

AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition and Western Civilization will cost students $100 because these classes are equivalent to six hours of college credit.  All classes equivalent to three hours of college credit will cost students $50.

Charging students for taking concurrent credit classes was not the school’s decision, but UALR’s mandate.

“The money students pay goes towards administrative purposes for UALR,” counselor Vesta Holland said.  “The money will cover fees for taking these classes.”

AP courses are advanced college-level classes with a final cumulative assessment at the end of the course in which a student must pass to receive concurrent credit.  However, AP English classes are concurrent credit regardless of whether or not students earn a qualifying score.  Concurrent credit classes that are not AP courses do not require a cumulative assessment and the end of the course.

Currently there is no school program to assist students and parents with the cost of concurrent credit and AP classes.

“I think the cost may prohibit some students from participating [in AP classes].”  anatomy teacher Janet Watson said.

A student will pay $50 to $100 for each concurrent credit classes here, but the cost for these classes in college is approximately $600.A complete list of the concurrent credit classes offered can be found in the 2013-2014 CAPS book.  Further information for cost of each concurrent credit course can be found in the counselor’s office at Bldg. 10.