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San Antonio Region Advanced Academics

San Antonio public school districts provide an array of individualized advanced academic programs that most adequately suit each student’s personal needs. These plans offer opportunities for each child, from elementary to high school, and they establish significantly high goals for their college-bound students. Some examples of advanced academic programs are Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and Talented and Gifted. Students and parents are encouraged and welcome to explore any advanced academic programs that their San Antonio-area public school district offers.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement programs, or AP, allows San Antonio area high school students to take college-level courses and exams. Some universities grant college credit to AP students who attain high test scores. The acquired credit may provide the opportunity to bypass freshman introductory college courses. College admissions favor AP work on applications and transcripts because AP classes give students college-level course load experiences as well as the skills needed for success in college.

Dual Credit Programs

School districts in San Antonio offer dual credit or dual enrollment courses in addition to Advanced Placement options. Texas dual credit programs make it possible for eligible students to enroll in college classes while still in high school. They can receive credit for the classes from both the high school and college simultaneously. Dual credit courses can be offered on the college campus or the high school campus, and they may include technical and academic classes. A dual credit program benefits students because credits transfer to public colleges and universities in Texas, it provides experience with a college workload, and it saves money on college tuition. In addition, students who transfer high school credits are still considered first-year students when entering college, so they can apply for scholarships and grants that are available to freshmen.

Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment

Courses taken at two separate institutions like a high school and a community college at the same time is referred to as dual enrollment. One course that meets the requirements of two academic institutions is referred to as dual credit.

Online college courses may be offered at high schools, or students may attend a local college or community college in person. Students can accrue college credits while in high school, resulting in considerable cost savings. Dual credit cost savings can be calculated by multiplying the number of dual credits earned by the tuition cost at a college, adding in books and fees, and even student housing.

Gifted and Talented (GT)

San Antonio public elementary schools offer their advanced learning students with the opportunity to enroll in Gifted & Talented programs. TEA guidelines state that school districts must provide proper services to students in kindergarten through 12th grade who have been assessed and identified as GT. Children identified as gifted students usually perform at high levels in a creative or intellectual area when compared to other students of the same age, environment, or experience. GT students tend to possess exceptional leadership capabilities, and they display a love of learning in one or multiple subjects. Gifted and talented children don’t automatically find themselves drawn to Advanced Placement programs. Some GT students in middle and high school might not flourish in environments with more difficult and time-consuming work. Instead, they may prefer time to pursue their talents while thinking and exploring. 

Additional Resources

TEA- Information on Advanced Academics

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented- Gifted Students in Texas 

TEA- Information on Dual Credit

TEA- Dual Credit Teacher Requirements Texas pdf

College Board- AP Courses and Exam Dates

Early Birds UTSA Dual Credit Program- Does UTSA accept dual credit?

Texas A&M AP Credit- TAMU San Antonio

Alamo Colleges Dual Credit Program

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