Two weeks of testing that span seven subject areas on topics from Art History to Microeconomics, the AP tests create space for students to demonstrate mastery on a standardized test. The score can be used as an artifact for college admissions, substitute for college credit at some universities, and can exempt a student who has demonstrated mastery from entry level courses in some cases.

AP test preparation happens in the form of AP courses offered at a number of schools; SPA is an exception. Instead of creating courses that teach readiness for these tests, our faculty prioritizes skills, inclusive content, and optional testing.

We have a fair number of students who take the exams, but I love the fact that the tests don’t serve as an evaluation of the effectiveness of our courses. When I taught AP courses, classes stopped learning for prep exercises and AP exam dates. I love that, at SPA, we never pause learning for standardized testing.

It feels like a brave departure to say we have faith in the quality of the learning environment provided here that students who are interested in APs will be prepared — and they are. According to the “Curriculum and Community” page on the SPA website, 61% of students who take APs score a 4 or 5 on their exam. AP reports that 60% of testers nationally score 3 or higher.

Clearly, this is a testament to the education students receive here, and the intentional choices they make, with good counsel, when registering for AP exams. The standardized test, and the course that would prepare them for it, isn’t a means and an end here. It’s flipped: the end result of a high test score demonstrates how a robust curriculum that doesn’t focus on testing nets more success than directed preparation can.

While I know it can get dicey when defining things as “not like the other…” but our curriculum is exactly that: not like the AP focused schools. It’s an advantage, not a deficit. While I absolutely wish our students taking tests the past two weeks the best of luck and high results, I’m also certain they (most likely) don’t need it.