Advanced Placement

AP Program Information

Advanced Placement (AP) is a Pathway that is designed to academically challenge students and is focused on extending student learning beyond the Ontario curriculum.  It is regulated by the CollegeBoard.  In Grades 11 and 12, students will receive instruction on all Ontario curriculum concepts as well as extended topics, and ultimately may choose to write the AP exam.  This is a flexible pathway which allows students to select only the courses and exams they wish to take.

To be a part of the AP program at MDHS, students must apply in their Grade 10 year to select AP courses for Grade 11 and 12. 

Who can apply?

Any Grade 10 Milton student may apply to AP at Milton District High School by completing the application form below. Applications from outside of the MDHS catchment area will require speaking with your home school principal first, to initiate the Optional Attendance process, along with the application form. If your family is new to HDSB, please register at your home school, then apply for AP.

How do I apply?

Each year, AP applications are accepted during the month of January.  Please click here for the link to the application form for the 2025-26 school year. This form will close on January 31st, 2025.

What are the advantages of AP courses?

The main advantage of taking AP courses are the additional opportunities and exposures students will have to the following global competencies; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Innovation and Creativity; Self-Directed Learning; Collaboration; and, Communication.

Many post secondary institutions consider the completion of AP examination scores favourably after acceptance into the institution has been offered.  This may result in Transfer credits or Advanced Standing, depending on the institution, program accepted, exam score and nature of the exam(s) written.

Will students qualify for bussing?

Only students who are within the boundaries of Milton District High School and who meet the board requirements for bussing will be given the board-sponsored transportation.  If students are accepted into the AP program, and live outside of the MDHS boundary, students will be expected to arrange transportation to and from school each day.

AP Exams 

These AP examinations are standardized tests, created by the CollegeBoard.  Students are not required to write these exams to take the AP courses.  Exams are administered worldwide in May.  Exams are graded in North America in June by North American educators.  Students are mailed their exam scores or can access them on-line in July.  Students can have scores sent to Universities or students can chose to have their scores suppressed.  Each AP exam costs approximately $145.00 to write.

Scores on AP Exams

The following five-point scale is used to score the exams:

5 = extremely well qualified 

4 = well qualified 

3 = qualified 

2 = possibly qualified 

1 = no recommendation

Level 3 is a pass

Canadian Universities want level 4 or 5 for a transfer credit or in select cases, Advanced Standing.

Here is the list of exams offered at MDHS, along with the Ontario Curriculum linked to each exam: