List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• Will honors courses still be offered alongside the new Advanced Studies courses?

  Yes. Honors courses will continue to be an integral part of the curriculum.

• What happens to AP subjects like AP Bio, AP Calc AB, or AP Euro?

  Students will enroll in the Advanced Studies or Honors equivalent. The academic expectations of the course will remain the same or increase. Students should be prepared to dive in and tackle challenging material.

• Will all current AP subjects offered by LJCDS have an Advanced Studies equivalent in the 2026–2027 school year?

  Yes. An Advanced Studies equivalent will replace and enhance all currently offered AP subjects in the 2026-27 academic year. 

• How will these changes affect my LJCDS GPA?

  There will be no impact on GPA. Advanced Studies courses receive the same grade weight as AP courses. An A in an AP course is worth the same as an A in an Advanced Studies course.

• Will these changes negatively impact my college applications?

  No. LJCDS’s reputation with colleges is robust, and it is not based on the number of AP courses offered. The relationships that the LJCDS college counselors have built with college admissions offices across the country enable them to have frank conversations with admissions personnel to confirm our standing and inform them of our rigorous curriculum. The LJCDS college profile, which is included with all college applications and updated annually, is one of the ways that we ensure that college admissions offices understand our school and program. 

• How will colleges know that Advanced Studies is our most challenging curriculum? 

  In 2026–2027, the LJCDS College Profile will include details about our Advanced Studies program, clearly delineating course offerings, their levels, and the rigor of the curriculum. Advanced Studies courses will be cited as the most academically rigorous courses offered at LJCDS. The LJCDS College Profile is shared with every college to which our students apply and is available on the LJCDS college counseling website. Additionally, the LJCDS college counseling team will regularly discuss the Advanced Studies program directly with admissions officers during campus visits, national and regional conferences, team visits to colleges, and in individual student advocacy calls.

• How will Advanced Studies benefit students in the Arts or Design & Innovation?

  Advanced Studies in the Arts and Design & Innovation are intentionally structured to provide students with opportunities to develop professional-quality portfolios. These portfolios can be submitted as a part of their college applications, whether for specialized programs in art and design or as supplemental material to highlight creative and interdisciplinary skills.

• What if I want to take an AP exam?

  LJCDS will continue to offer AP exams. Students will be notified of the details when AP exam registration is open. It is essential to note that teachers will not focus on preparing students for the exam. Therefore, it is recommended that students complete outside preparation before taking the test.

• Can I still use AP scores to earn college credit and save my family money, allowing me to graduate early?

  Yes, students can still sit for AP exams on campus and pursue college credit through their AP scores.
  
  Students enrolled in Advanced Studies courses aligned with AP subjects will develop deep mastery and critical thinking skills in their subject areas. However, you may need additional preparation to cover the full breadth of topics tested on AP exams, as these standardized tests emphasize broad familiarity with concepts rather than the in-depth understanding our Advanced Studies courses cultivate.
  
  It's also important to note that colleges have varying policies regarding AP credit. Some institutions accept certain AP scores for credit, while others may not accept them at all. Additionally, students interested in pursuing graduate-level programs should research whether those programs accept AP credits for prerequisite coursework, as this may influence your decision to use AP scores to accelerate your undergraduate degree.

• If a student is applying to international schools, such as those in the UK, will they still be able to sit for AP exams?

  Yes. Students who require an exam for admission to international universities, such as those in the United Kingdom, will still be supported in registering for and taking the AP exam. The LJCDS college counseling team will help families navigate this process to ensure access.

• Have other schools moved away from Advanced Placement courses?

  Yes. The shift away from AP courses has been a national trend for many years. Schools across the country have made the same decision, such as The Bishop’s School (CA), Castilleja (CA), Cate School (CA), Deerfield Academy (MA), Lakeside School (WA), The Lawrenceville School (NJ), Menlo School (CA), Milton Academy (MA), Phillips Academy Andover (MA), Phillips Exeter Academy (NH), Riverdale Country School (NY), The Spence School (NY), St. Paul’s School (NH), and The Webb Schools (CA).