Curriculum/Programs of Study

We believe that every child should be challenged and guided to excel at the highest level. Through Ballard’s diverse curriculum program, all students will have the opportunity for a positive educational experience that is tailored to meet their evolving stages of cognitive development.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Through Ballard's Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit, stand out in the admission process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers.

A Different Kind of Class

From the moment you enter a Ballard AP classroom, you'll notice the difference—in the teacher's approach to the subject, in the attitude of your classmates, in the way you start to think. In AP classrooms, the focus is not on memorizing facts and figures. Instead you'll engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively.

Find Your Passion

With 20+ courses at Ballard to choose from, including Math, Science, Social Sciences, English, and the arts, you'll be able to explore your interests and discover new passions. In AP classes, you'll study fascinating topics and ideas that just might become the foundation of your future college major or career.

Prepare to Succeed in College

Ballard AP courses can help you acquire the skills and habits you'll need to be successful in college. You'll improve your writing skills, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and develop time-management skills, discipline, and study habits.

Earn College Credit and Placement

Most four-year colleges in the United States and colleges in more than 60 other countries give students credit, advanced placement, or both on the basis of AP Exam scores. By entering college with AP credits, you'll have the time to move into upper-level courses, pursue a double major, or study abroad.

AP Courses Benefit Your Transcript

AP courses are graded on a ten-point scale, and grades are weighted to reward students for the college-level work they are doing. AP courses are recognized nationally as being very rigorous and are most attractive to college admissions counselors.

Unweighted Scale

100–93% A 4 Quality Points

92–86% B 3 Quality Points

85–79% C 2 Quality Points

78–70% D 1 Quality Point

69–00% U 0 Quality Points

Weighted Scale (AP Classes)

90–100% A 5.00 Quality Points

80–89% B 3.75 Quality Points

70–79% C 2.50 Quality Points

60–69% D 1.25 Quality Points

59–00% U 0.00 Quality Points

Students who earn a 4.0 or higher are recognized as valedictorian.

For more information, visit http://apcentral.collegeboard.com.

Click here for the AP exam schedule.

Test Prep List

College Board AP courses offered at Ballard include the following:

English

English Lang./Composition (grade 11)

English Lit./Composition (grade 12)

Math

Statistics

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

World Language

French Language

Japanese Language

Spanish Language

Science

Biology

Physics

Chemistry

Environmental Science

Humanities

Art History

Music Theory

Studio—2-D Drawing

Studio—3-D Design

Studio Drawing

Social Studies

Human Geography

World History

U.S. History

European History

Government and Politics: United States

Psychology

Technology

Computer Science Principles

AP Capstone

AP Seminar

Ballard is recognized nationally for achievement in AP.

Ballard High School was the only school in Kentucky selected to receive the 2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement. Through a partnership between the Siemens Foundation and the College Board, the award is presented to one high school in each state for leadership in AP participation and performance.
The Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement are awarded to one male and one female in each state each year with the greatest number of scores of 5 on eight AP math and science exams. Ballard is proud to have winner Yihua Li, 2011 Ballard graduate.

Click here for the AP exam schedule.

Test Prep List

Ballard High School