Students in high school AP classes experience a rigorous, college-level curriculum and have the chance to earn college credit. All Putnam City high schools and about 60 percent of U.S. high schools participate in the AP program. According to statistics recently compiled by staff at the three district high schools, students in 17 different AP classes last year earned college credit by scoring sufficiently high on AP tests.

Most of the nation's colleges and universities have an AP policy granting incoming students credit, placement or both for qualifying AP Exam grades. For institutions that grant credits, every hour of college credit earned in high school is an hour that students don’t have to take or pay for while attending college.

The cost-savings figures for Putnam City students were arrived at by multiplying the total credit hours earned by AP students times the per hour cost of attending the University of Oklahoma.

Mouse says another advantage for students who take AP classes is that the classes better prepare them to succeed in college. According to a U.S. Department of Education study, participation in AP or other rigorous courses is a stronger predictor of success in college than test scores or grade point average. A 2005 study by the National Center for Educational Accountability says students who earned a 3 or better on one or more AP Exams in the areas of English, mathematics, science, or social studies were more likely to graduate from college in five years or less compared to non-AP students.

"Passing AP tests can provide a way to cut back on the hours and dollars spent pursuing a college degree, and taking AP courses make it more likely that you’ll succeed in college once you get there. We’re pleased that so many students and families benefit so substantially from our AP program," says Mouse.