Why AP at TAISM?

Dear Parents,

The American International School of Muscat (TAISM) was pleased to provide some important, new information about international recognition of the Advanced Placement (AP) Program (please see International Recognition of AP). As the result of extensive research, TAISM can assure international families that the TAISM diploma with the addition of AP scores will qualify graduates for admission and/or advanced placement at a large number of colleges and universities around the globe.

I invite you to take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the information this site provides about AP. Even if your child is not yet in high school, we think it is important for you to know about the opportunities afforded by this advanced program.

What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of one-year, university-level courses and exams designed to give motivated students the opportunity to get ahead by earning course credit, advanced placement, or both for university while still in high school (please see Advanced Placement (AP) Program). The AP Program has long been offered in high schools throughout North America, and it is now offered in schools around the world. The program consists of 35 college-level courses and exams in 20 subject areas.

TAISM currently offers seven AP courses in the high school (usually for students in the eleventh and twelfth grades). AP courses and exams represent the beginning of the journey through university-level academic challenges. Students who enroll in AP courses and who take the exams are more knowledgeable about the demands of university work. Once students are accustomed to being challenged, they are more likely to continue with advanced studies. For example, studies have shown that AP students are more likely to undertake Ph.D. programs.

AP is a program of the College Board, and the exams are run by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). (ETS also operates the SAT, TOEFL, and GMAT testing programs.) Last year 2.1 million AP Exams were administered worldwide.

Why AP at TAISM?
TAISM has embraced the Advanced Placement (AP) program as a curricular opportunity for the students in our high school. While other schools utilize the British A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or other national and/or international curriculums and examinations, we feel that the combined rigors and flexibility of AP best serve our students’ broad-based educational needs. AP Exams also provide students with the international yardstick against which many of them wish to be measured. Participation in the AP program is optional for TAISM’s students; however, each year more of our high school students are choosing to pursue this academic opportunity.

TAISM is confident that our broad and challenging four-year high school program, which includes the AP program, blends richness and rigor while providing both opportunity and flexibility for all high school students.

TAISM is pleased to participate in the AP program, and the school is committed to further expanding its AP offerings in order to serve the dynamic and varied needs of our students. We invite students and parents to explore the opportunities available through AP; if you need further assistance, please contact the school.

Sincerely,

Kevin Schafer
Director