Advanced Courses

Transitioning to Secondary Advanced Academics Virtual Event – January 2024

Middle School Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) FAQs

What are Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses?

Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses are on-grade level academically advanced courses designed to challenge motivated students to understand rigorous content. The coursework requires students to engage in independent and analytical assignments and to complete a substantial amount of work outside of class. McKinney ISD offers Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses in English, math, science, and social studies. Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) middle school courses are designed to prepare students for high school Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses are college-level courses taught in a high school setting. At the end of each AP course an AP Exam is given. Qualifying scores on the AP exams can enable students to receive college credit and/or advanced standing at a university or college.

Why is math the only Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) course offered for 6th grade students?

Sixth grade students are at an age level where their thinking is still primarily concrete rather than at the abstract, analytical level needed for advanced courses. Inappropriate placement of many sixth grade students in Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) classes has led to their remaining in the Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) program throughout middle school where they were less successful in mastering critical foundational skills because of the depth or pace of the classes. These students often were unsuccessful in high school Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) classes.

The decision to continue to offer a 6th grade Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) math course came about because of necessity, not because it is easier to identify students. The content of each Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) math course is actually different than the content in the on-grade-level math course. In other words, in order to accelerate through the curriculum to take an AP math course in high school, Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) math students must learn more content in middle school. English, science, and social studies courses do not require accelerated (or different) curriculum. Acceleration of content in middle school Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses also allows for better correlation of high school science courses with their required math courses.

What Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses are available in MISD for the current school year?

6th grade: Math only, 7th and 8th grades: English, Math, Science and Social Studies

What provision will be in place for more advanced learners in 6th grade English, science, and social studies courses?

Heterogeneously grouped 6th grade classrooms will allow teachers to develop and implement a rigorous differentiated curriculum for all students. Classroom instruction will concentrate on developing essential foundational skills and concepts.

Will the lack of 6th grade Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) English, science, and social studies courses affect students’ preparation for high school AP courses in these areas?

There will be no negative impact on students’ high school coursework. A strong focus on content skills and concepts will help ensure that all 6th grade students have the critical foundation for advanced classes in middle school and high school.

Are there entry criteria for enrolling in Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses?

McKinney ISD offers open enrollment for Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses. Students who experience success in Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses typically exhibit the following personal and academic characteristics.

Personal Characteristics:

  • Reading on or above grade level

  • Strong study skills and self-motivation

  • Proficient oral and written communications skills

  • Self-discipline to plan, organize, and carry out tasks to completion

  • Interest and self-directedness in a particular subject

Academic Characteristics:

  • Successful completion of prerequisite coursework

  • Grade of 90 or higher in an academic class

  • Grade of 80 or higher in a Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) class

  • Report card scores of 3’s or 4’s for entering 6th grade students

  • Successful performance in related content area courses (Example: math and science or English and social studies)

  • Teacher recommendation

  • Scores at the advanced performance on STAAR test closely related to the Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) course being considered

How many Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses should a student take?

Students are encouraged to take Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses that are appropriate to their interests and academic strengths. The number of Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses also varies with students’ motivation, self-discipline, and available time outside of class. Students are not expected to enroll in Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses in all core subject areas.

Must a student take Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) courses in order to be prepared for college?

All academic courses in MISD offer appropriate instruction to prepare students for college or university work. Many MISD students without Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) and AP coursework, successfully complete college educations.

Additional information on the middle school Advanced (Formerly Pre-AP) program is available from the middle school counselors and administrators.