The Advanced Placement Program (AP) gives high school students the opportunity to pursue college level studies while in high school with the possibility of receiving college credit upon entering college if they score at a certain level on the AP examinations. These college-level courses are taught by high school teachers on a student's regular campus. AP courses make it possible for academically talented students to increase the challenge of their studies. This nationwide program has been administered since 1955 by the College Board. Examinations in a variety of subject areas are administered in May. Over 2,100 colleges may receive the grades and use them as the basis for granting credit and/or placement to entering students. Students should check colleges and universities in which they are interested to see if they will accept credit.  College catalogs generally contain this information. The school guidance counselor can also help in this regard.

Courses offered at DeLand High School include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, English Language and English Literature, Foreign Language, American History, Human Geography, Calculus, Statistics, Macroeconomics, Government, and Psychology.

Some of the characteristics of successful students in our Advanced Placement Program include the following.

• Has the appropriate prerequisite subject skills
• Has above average reading comprehension
• Is an avid reader
• Has superior writing skills
• Has a PSAT verbal and math score of 45-50 or higher
• Has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Is a self-starter
• Has support and encouragement at home