Honors & Advanced Placement (AP) Classes
At Santa Ana High School, our Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes challenge students with rigorous, college-preparatory coursework while providing strong support from our teachers and counseling staff.
Honors classes move at a faster pace and go deeper into content than standard courses. They are designed to help students build strong skills in reading, writing, math, science, and critical thinking, and to prepare them for future AP and college-level work.
AP (Advanced Placement) classes are college-level courses offered in high school. They follow a nationally recognized curriculum and give students the opportunity to take an AP Exam in May. Many colleges and universities may award college credit or advanced placement to students who earn a score of 3 or higher on their AP exam (depending on the college’s policy).
Honors and AP classes are open to all students who are ready for a challenge and want to prepare for success in college and beyond.
Honors Classes
Honors courses are advanced versions of our core classes. They ask students to think more deeply, complete more complex assignments, and develop strong academic habits. Honors classes at Santa Ana High School are specifically designed to prepare students for future AP classes.
Current Honors Course Offerings
- Honors Algebra 1
- Honors Geometry
- Honors Algebra 2
- Honors English 9
- Honors English 10
- Honors Biology
- Honors Chemistry
- Honors Physics
- Honors Math Analysis
These classes help students build the study skills, independence, and content knowledge needed to be successful in AP courses such as AP Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP English.
Advanced Placement (AP) Classes
AP classes give students the opportunity to experience college-level coursework while still in high school. Students develop advanced skills in reading, writing, lab work, problem-solving, and critical thinking. At the end of the course, students may take the AP Exam in May.
Students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam may be eligible to receive college credit or advanced placement at many colleges and universities, depending on each institution’s AP credit policy.
Current AP Course Offerings
- AP English Literature
- AP English Language
- AP Spanish Literature & Culture
- AP Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Economics
- AP U.S. History
- AP Government and Politics
- AP World History
- AP Psychology
- AP Human Geography
- AP Music Theory
- AP Studio Art
How to Enroll in Honors & AP Classes
Honors and AP classes are open to all students who are interested in a more challenging academic experience and who want to prepare for college-level coursework.
To enroll in an Honors or AP class, students must meet with their school counselor. Counselors will:
- Review the student’s current grades and course history.
- Talk with the student about goals, interests, and workload.
- Help select the right combination of classes for success.
We encourage students and families to discuss their interests with their counselor and explore the many Honors and AP options available.
AP Testing & Preparation
AP testing takes place each year during the month of May. Students enrolled in AP classes will receive information about test dates, registration, and exam locations from their AP teachers and the counseling office.
For tips and resources to help you get ready for AP exams, please visit:
AP Test Preparation Resources
(Your AP teacher and counselor can also share study guides, practice tests, and review sessions to support you.)