<p>Due to an apparently unworkaroundable schedule issue, the only section of AP US Government my daughter's HS will offer next year is one she can't take. Well, she could, but she won't give up the theater production class whichis also only offered that period. The counselor is suggesting maybe an online course, but doesn't have any recommendations. So, I turn to a font of information about alternatives : you folks! Any ideas?</p>
<p>Is her major concern getting the high school credit for Government or getting college credit for the test? If it's the later, look at the schools she will probably be interested in and see if they waive classes or give credit for the exam and at what score. If it's the former, what are her choices given her theater schedule?</p>
<p>My S took AP US Govt online via APEX, when we were in Germany.</p>
<p>dragonmom, her major concern is getting HS credit, plus a challenging class. The only alternative on her campus is the "regular" history class, and she's much happier in an honors/AP environment. Of the regular classes, she says, "Those kids don't even want to be there."</p>
<p>binx, how did the APEX class wwork out for your son?</p>
<p>There are many ways to learn the material for an AP exam. For example- take the test without any course (that boy got a 5, was exempt from US History in HS), take all or part of the US Govt course in summer through a gifted program and the test the next spring (this boy dropped out after 1 of the 3 weeks to be able to do his distance running) or do an independent study (such as music theory when a HS doesn't offer the class). It sounds like the school is willing to work with you, work on an independent study option with the course teacher if possible. I can relate to HS passions and unworkable schedules (both self and son) and am glad to hear your daughter can take the other course and still work out something for this AP course. BTW, the runner met his fall CC goals, did well on the AP test and is happy in college...</p>
<p>the course from Northwestern CTD = not recommended
it's exclusively bookwork, the teacher isn't particularly knowledgeable, and he grades with essentially no standards. i've been fairly unsatisfied with the whole thing.</p>
<p>My Son took the AP US Gov course from APEX. It was a fine course with the only drawback being he took it in the first semester, as an Independent Study at his HS, and the material was not fresh in his mind by the time the test came around. There were online discussions.</p>
<p>My D took AP European from the Northwestern CTD this year and did a reasonable amount of writing and reading. It seemed like a worhtwhile course as well.</p>
<p>Online courses do require the student to work more independently than a regular HS course. Personally I think that is a good thing.</p>
<p>Experience with APEX for AP Bio and APUSH- a lot of reading/writing, fast turnaround for assignments (faster than public school), teachers have office hours and you can call if problems. Biggest downside is discussion, of course. On line discussions are limiting compared to classroom.</p>
<p>My S took four APEX courses first semester 12th grade in lieu of attending school. We had moved to Germany his senior year and he wanted to go with us. The compromise was to do APEX courses first semester, and return home to live with relatives second semester. </p>
<p>There were significant headaches for us in terms of obtaining reliable Internet, and finding places to fax finals and such. But it had nothing to do with APEX - just Germany's technological delay in small towns! My S also spent every spare minute working - it had definite deadlines and requirements that would fit fine in the US, but were hard overseas where holidays didn't match up and such. He seldom went on any of our weekend trips. I can't comment specifically on any one AP because they all run together in my mind.</p>
<p>As it turned out, he didn't need any AP credit - his school didn't accept them. So he didn't study, and didn't care. He took the tests anyway and got all 3's, I think.</p>
<p>Son did WCATY- his third time and had good teacher but by then had local friends and running goals.</p>