by Jake Kwon ‘26
The High School Advanced Placement (AP) Program has been a mainstay for high school students for more than 70 years. Designed to optimize course rigor for students, there are a wide range of subjects to choose from, ranging from European History to 3-D Art and Design. Currently amounting to a total of 38 classes, students are able to glance into a University-Level Curriculum, while also earning college credit.
Here at Bellarmine, the structure and variety of AP classes have changed drastically over the years, whether it be through the course itself, the AP Test, or with course content. In fact, there have been a handful of AP courses that have been removed over the past couple of years, and many more that are currently in pilot or in the development stage.
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AP Computer Science AB is somewhat similar to the modern-day version of AP Computer Science A. The main difference between the two courses is that AP Computer Science A, which students are able to take at Bell, is essentially equivalent to a one-semester college course, while AB was designed to be like a full-year college course.
Computer Science AB went much more in-depth into the study of data structures and algorithms, as well as with notations. The course was discontinued in May 2009 due to low enrollment, likely due to the course’s high difficulty and expectations.
AP Physics B was the predecessor to two classes we have today, which are AP Physics 1 and 2. Physics B heavily focused on Newtonian Mechanics, as well as Electricity and Magnetism. Like Computer Science AB, Physics B was equivalent to a full-year college course, while AP Physics 1 and 2 are designed to be college semester courses each.
The main issue that seemed to be with the course was that it had too much material to cover in just one course.
One interesting thing to point out with AP Physics B is that the course was originally part of a larger class. In 1969, there was only one AP Physics course, which was then later split into Physics B and Physics C. The last AP Physics B test was administered in May of 2014.
The Barron’s AP Physics B Test Book
AP Russian Language and Culture is different from the previous two classes. The College Board never officially gave a definitive reason as to why the class was removed, but despite being in development for 5 years, only prototype exams were administered to students.
The course was scrapped in 2010 and has yet to make a re-appearance.
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As time passes by, it seems like the College Board is aiming to expand out into newer areas. Here’s what the Bell Online has found regarding the limited information surrounding three AP Classes that are currently under development.
AP African-American Studies is a pilot course that is currently being offered at select high schools and will be open to all students in the Fall of 2024. The course focuses around a wide range of topics and time periods, such as the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Panthers.
AP World History: Ancient is a history course that is to be taken by mostly freshmen and sophomores. The course is designed as a preceding course to AP World History: Modern, and is centered in the time frame 8000 B.C.E. to 1450 C.E.
AP Business Principles is a social science course designed to help students wanting a career in Marketing, Finance, and Accounting. The course focuses on creating business ideas and decision-making.
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Regardless of whether or not these classes will make it through development, or if some of the former courses are reinstated, it is interesting to think about the different ideas students can turn to with these programs. Whether or not any of these classes will be offered at Bellarmine cannot be said just yet, but keep in mind that you can also self-study a course if you want to.
With AP tests approaching in a few months, the Bell Online wishes you all the best in your preparation. The tests will come sooner than later! Happy studying Bells!
Jake Kwon is the Academics Editor for the Bell Online. He enjoys playing soccer with friends and covering events on campus.