Academics

Advanced Learners and AP

As part of one of the most rigorous college preparatory schools in Florida, Saint Edward's AP program offers exceptional students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while in high school. We offer a wide variety of AP courses to help advance motivated, high-achieving students to the next level in college or enable them to receive college credit.

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25

AP Classes to choose from
94%

of students pass the AP exam

A student interested in taking AP courses needs a recommendation from a former teacher to sign up for a course. Without the recommendation, a student and parent may sign a contract stating that they understand the rigor of the program and the expectations. Students work with their college advisors to determine an appropriate course load of AP courses.

The highest possible score on an AP exam is 5. Most universities accept scores of 3, 4, and 5 for credit or advanced standing. All of our courses have been approved by the College Board. If you need more information about AP credit given by universities, please go to that university's website.

- AP Five-Year School Score Summary 2021
  
  AP Test Scores

Advanced Learners

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Accelerated Learners – All Divisions

Occasionally a student has reached an advanced level of achievement in a given subject beyond that which is typically offered at his/her current grade level. In these cases, the Division Head works together with the parents to provide an appropriate curriculum for the student. Sometimes the decision is to have the student attend class for a given subject at a higher grade level, whenever this can be accommodated in the student’s schedule. Sometimes a special class can be formed for several students with similar needs. Other times a student may take an independent study course with a faculty member. Because of the overriding philosophy of the School, which addresses the whole child and considers physical, emotional, and social needs as well as intellectual and academic needs, and because of the differences in the Divisions, each decision is designed to meet the specific developmental and intellectual needs of the child.
Academic Honor Societies - Upper School

The Cum Laude Society
Membership in the Cum Laude Society is granted to those comprising the top percentage of the class.

Mu Alpha Theta
Our Mu Alpha Theta is a chapter of the National Mu Alpha Theta Organization dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics among high school students.

National Merit Scholarship Program
Over the past twenty-three years, 55 Saint Edward’s students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists and 81 have received the Commended Scholar designation.

The Nuestra América Chapter of the Spanish Honor Society
Each year high achieving language students are inducted into the Spanish Honor Society, and existing members that qualify are recognized with gold and silver recipients of the Global Seal of Biliteracy. This seal is earned based on listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
Advanced Studies Program (ASP) – Upper School

The Advanced Studies Program offers a rigorous program for those students who wish to add independent research to an already challenging schedule of honors and AP courses. This program is designed for highly motivated and intellectually curious students. Students must formally apply to the program during the Spring Term of their junior year and are selected on the basis of standardized test scores (top 10%), GPA (3.5 or higher), recommendations from the college counseling department, and a personal essay.

A formal presentation is required in the fall of a student’s senior year. This presentation is conducted in front of a review panel of faculty and outside consultants. ASP projects must demonstrate significant academic research. If the review panel feels a student has a deficiency in their research, presentation, documentation or any other aspect of the ASP project, the student will have to make the appropriate corrections and schedule a secondary hearing in order to be granted the Advanced Studies distinction at graduation. All colleges are notified of student participation in our Advanced Studies Program and students receive .50 honors credit for completing their ASP project.
Independent Study Program – Upper School

In special cases a student may pursue an independent course of study not offered in the current curriculum offerings. The independent study program is intended to complement a student’s coursework and is an additional course in the student’s schedule. Students must submit a proposal outlining an individualized program that can take place on campus with the guidance of a faculty advisor. The advisor also assists the student in accomplishing stated objectives, oversees the timely completion of the project and course work, and evaluates it.

Students interested in exploring this option should consult with the academic counselor during the scheduling process in the spring of the prior year. Significant time and planning are required to ensure that projects are productive and valuable experiences. After a preliminary discussion, the student and advisor must submit a detailed written proposal including the scope of the work, timeline and evaluation method, to the Independent Study Committee (Director of College Counseling, Academic Dean, and Department Chair).
Academic Competitions – All Divisions
Students participate in a variety of competitive opportunities regionally, statewide and nationally. Among them are the following:
- National Merit Scholarship
- Academic World Quest of the Palm Beaches
- Fourth and Fifth National Current Events League
- Continental Math League
- Mu Alpha Theta Math Competitions
- National Spanish Exam
- Indian River Lagoon Envirothon
- All-State Chorus
- All-State Band
- Regional and State Science and Engineering Fairs
- Scripps Howard Regional Bee
- Four County Honor Band
- Thespian State and District Competitions