Beyond the Advanced Placement Program
At The Potomac School, our curriculum has evolved over the years, guided always by a commitment to provide a rigorous, vibrant, and relevant educational program. As part of Potomac’s ongoing curriculum review process, we have spent two years examining the place of AP courses within our academic program, considering their value for our students and how well they align with our mission and educational philosophy. After extensive research and thoughtful discussion, we have determined that Potomac will phase out Advanced Placement courses over a five-year period and focus on the development of rigorous offerings that more directly address our students’ needs and the school’s educational goals. We see this as an unprecedented opportunity to enhance our curriculum and ensure that Potomac students benefit from courses that fuel their intellectual curiosity, foster their love of learning, and prepare them for success in college and beyond. To learn more, take a look at the resources below.
Letter from the Head of School
Joint Announcement from Eight DC-Area Schools
Potomac FAQs
- What spurred reconsideration of Advanced Placement courses?
- What is the rationale for eliminating the AP designation?
- What was Potomac’s process for making the decision to move beyond the AP?
- What kinds of courses will replace AP offerings at Potomac?
- How will Potomac define rigor and vet these new course offerings?
- Will the absence of AP courses on transcripts affect Potomac graduates’ college-admission prospects?
- Will students lose the opportunity to receive college credit by not taking AP courses?
- Will Potomac continue to offer AP exams? Will the school provide AP exam prep?
What spurred reconsideration of Advanced Placement courses?
What is the rationale for eliminating the AP designation?
What was Potomac’s process for making the decision to move beyond the AP?
What kinds of courses will replace AP offerings at Potomac?
How will Potomac define rigor and vet these new course offerings?
Will the absence of AP courses on transcripts affect Potomac graduates’ college-admission prospects?
Will students lose the opportunity to receive college credit by not taking AP courses?
Will Potomac continue to offer AP exams? Will the school provide AP exam prep?
Potomac's Mission
At The Potomac School, we believe that intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character are complementary, and equally essential, educational goals. With a firm commitment to our core values and a rigorous academic program, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement, and generosity of spirit.
PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE
We achieve The Potomac School’s mission through our educational philosophy and practice. At Potomac we
- foster a diverse, inclusive learning community where all voices and viewpoints are valued
- provide a balanced educational experience that integrates academics, athletics, and the arts
- empower our students to become independent thinkers and learners by emphasizing the rewards of inquiry, initiative, and reflection
- emphasize appreciation for the natural world and each person’s responsibility for environmental stewardship
- call upon all members of our community to act with compassion, civic conscience, and a commitment to serving
others