Click here to listen to Episode 58 on Jam.ai
One of the biggest questions I have received since we launched the Upper School is why we have embraced an advanced studies program.
Typically, of course, that’s not the way the question is asked.
No, most people want to know, “Why don’t you offer APs?”
The question usually reflects two core beliefs. One, that the best schools have AP [Advanced Placement] programs. Two, that students have to take APs in order to get into the best colleges. Underlying the beliefs for many people is their own high school experience, in which AP courses were the hardest courses in their school and students who went to top colleges took these courses.
Over the last 18 months, as we have shared our program, I have tried to provide the context in which we have made the decision to design an Advanced Studies program instead of APs. In particular, I have shared with people the following: If you look at the top high schools in the Bay Area as identified by Niche magazine, the top six schools, and nine of the top 10, do not have AP programs. These nine schools, all independent school peers of Hillbrook that reflect the type of high school we are designing, have strong college placement records and offer without question academically rigorous programs. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say, that over the past 10-15 years, the best schools in the country have moved away from the AP program, replacing it with the type of Advanced Studies program that we are designing.
Why have schools moved away from APs? Because, as Lick Wilmerding explained when announcing its decision a decade ago, “the AP program has become a limiting, rather than an enriching, factor.” They go on to explain that the advanced studies program will allow their teacher to create innovative, rigorous courses that are: “(1) relevant, compelling and impelling, (2) that are aligned with current knowledge and best practice in their fields, and (3) that reflect teachers’ particular passions and the School’s mission.” Other schools across the Bay Area and country have offered similar rationales.
So, when we looked at the design of our new Upper School it was clear that an Advanced Studies program is in line with the top schools in the country, more consistent with our educational vision and approach, and, most importantly, the best approach for students. Advanced Studies prioritizes engagement and challenge, not rote learning and test-taking skills. Advanced Studies creates flexible learning environments where teachers can respond to the excitement and enthusiasm of their students and expand the learning that is happening, instead of being bound to a curriculum and program that limits and truncates the learning experience. Most importantly, Advanced Studies prepares students for a world which we cannot yet imagine, not for a world that is quickly disappearing.
Curious to know more? I hope you will join us on our Los Gatos Campus this Friday, December 15 after Flag in the Oak Room for a session with Director of College Counseling Charley Burkly and Head of Upper School Mike Peller. They will talk about the Advanced Studies program we are designing as well as how Charley and the school will support students through the College Counseling process. Want to know why we don’t have APs? We can’t wait to share.