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Advanced Placement Funding Campaign Fund

Est. 2018

In partnership with the A+ Foundation, West Aurora High School is working to support the Advanced Placement program. The Advanced Placement (AP) program is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. It provides students with the exposure to college-level work during high school. It also provides them with the ability to achieve advanced placement, advanced standing, and college credit for courses taken during high school. West Aurora High School currently offers 25 courses in English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Fine Arts, and World Languages.

Earning college credit can only be achieved by taking the AP Exam for the given subject in May and is based on the score that is earned on that exam. Although students are not required to take the exam, there are a myriad of benefits. A student who scores a 3, 4, or 5 on the exam can earn placement or credit at the university level. University policies vary depending on the school and the department, but most offer credit, including the major universities in Illinois.

However, the exam and administration fees cost the student $100. This cost can be prohibitive to many students and families. In order to provide equity of opportunity, the A+ Foundation and West Aurora High School is working to support one exam for every student enrolled in the AP program. This could cost upwards of $50,000 on an annual basis. It is our hope that you will join us in supporting our students by donating to the AP Campaign.

Enclosed you will find a trifold that sets forth how donations can be made. Your contribution will help students be better prepared for college, builds confidence and introduces them to concepts and skills that will stick with them the rest of their lives.

With appreciation for your interest and consideration,

Whitney Martino

Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning

West Aurora High School

AP Tests Offered at West Aurora High School

Humanities
AP Seminar, Music Theory, Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio, Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio, Studio Art: 3-D Design Portfolio, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition

Social Sciences
European History, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Psychology, United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History

Math and Science
Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics 1: Algebra-based, Physics 2: Algebra-based

World Language
French Language and Culture, Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish Literature and Culture

Myths/Truths

  1. Myth: Only students who are recommended by their teacher can take AP courses.
    Truth: West Aurora High School has adopted a philosophy that if a student wishes to take an AP course then THEY are ready to challenge and advance themselves.
  2. Myth: AP is for students who always get good grades.
    Truth: AP courses are for any student who is academically prepared and motivated to take on college-level courses.
  3. Myth: Students may not score high enough on the AP Exam to get college credit.
    Truth: You don’t need to score a 5.  Many colleges grant credit, and placement as well, based on a 3 or better.
  4. Myth: The high school, state, and College Board help support students financially with the cost of AP Exams.
    Truth: In the past, students have received help financially with the cost of taking an AP Exam.  Those funds are no longer available to students.  Now, school districts are turning to their foundations to look for real, creative ways to provide students with financial help to make their educational and college-bound path successful.

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

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