Levels of Instruction
Students should read these descriptions carefully before making course selections:
- LEVEL 1
- Level 1 is the highest level of instruction for college placement and/or college credit as well as for the workplace. It includes Advanced Placement*, Early College Experience*, and Honors courses.
*Advanced Placement classes and ECE classes (UConn courses) are college level courses. Course content is prescribed by the current College Board’s Advanced Placement syllabus and/or the University of Connecticut. The College Board Advanced Placement Examination is recommended for students taking AP Level courses.- LEVEL 2
- Level 2 instruction is designed for students entering a four or two-year college or university, technical programs, or the workplace.
Advanced Placement Work
Students who are ready for more rigorous, college level course work, will have the opportunity to pursue Advanced Placement courses. The AP program, sponsored by the College Board, audits Daniel Hand High School course curricula and approves courses for AP designation. Students may register for AP courses if they meet all of the prerequisites of the department offering the course. The general prerequisites include demonstrated academic achievement, the recommendation of the previous year teacher, and permission of the department coordinator.
The College Board offers a series of AP exams in May of each year. It is recommended that students who either have taken AP course work or who have the necessary academic background register to take the College Board AP exam. The students electing to take the exam are required to pay an exam fee. Any student wishing to take AP exams for whom the fee presents a financial hardship should request a fee waiver from their school counselor. Colleges may award credit, or waive a requirement, for students who successfully complete the AP course and who score well on the AP exam. Students should check with the college they plan to attend.
The College Board recommends that students not exceed a total of 5 AP courses during their high school experience, for research shows that once you hit 5, there are diminishing gains due to the time and commitment required for success in an AP course.