APEX Scholars Program Vision

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1 Tonight s Objectives: -Specifics about APEX Program - Statistics about APEX and WJ - Review Application Process APEX Scholars Program Vision Through a rigorous, challenging and accelerated curriculum the APEX Scholars Program creates an environment in which a select group of highly motivated students work individually and cooperatively to form an academic cohort that fosters the core values of scholarship, critical thinking and writing, both within the program and throughout the entire Walter Johnson Community. APEX Sequence of Courses 9 th Grade: APEX/AP Government, APEX Biology, APEX English 10 th Grade: APEX/AP US History, APEX English th Grade: APEX/AP World History 12 th Grade: APEX Senior Seminar Course (one semester only; meets once a week). The APEX Team 9 th Grade Mr. Stephen Miller, APEX/AP Government Ms. Janelle Ryan, APEX English Ms. Patricia Richards, APEX Biology 10 th Grade Mr. T.G. Finkbinder, APEX English Ms. Kathy Simmons, APEX/AP US History 11 th Grade Mr. Chris Merrill, APEX/AP World History 12 th Grade Mr. Nathan Schwartz and Mr. David Uhler, APEX Senior Seminar/Capstone Course AP Classes offered at WJ 33 different classes offered this year over 20 have been added since the program s inception. APEX has lead the way in this initiative.

2 How has APEX changed WJ? The APEX Scholars Program is currently in its 21 th year. We have seen substantial change at WJ as a whole Students Taking AP Exams at WJ # AP Exams Given at WJ Academic Awards Granted APEX Class of 2018 Another outstanding year!!! 4 students are Nat l Merit Semi-finalists 20 students are Nat l Merit Commended Scholars 4 student is an AP Scholar with Honors 37 students are AP Scholars with Distinction 14 students are AP National Scholars (All AP Scholars awards after only their junior year) Check out additional award data for APEX Scholars: apex/ Benefits of the APEX Program Students remain in their home school. Students become active participants in an enriched and unique curriculum. Students benefit from cross-curricular lessons and field trips. Students are part of an academically oriented cohort APEX Benefits Potential for college credit for passing scores on AP exams AP Scholar Designation through the College Board APEX scholar recognition at graduation APEX Benefits Students are part of a smaller, unified cohort AP courses overall are enriched by APEX scholar participation A detailed APEX Profile is sent with each APEX senior s application.

3 APEX Mentoring Program Supports for APEX freshmen Instituted in 2005: APEX Mentoring Program Instituted in 2007 APEX Summer Academy APEX Students are: Committed to accepting rigorous curricula Committed to pursuing a variety of challenges Committed to working both independently and in groups Committed to developing time management strategies AP US Government and Politics How is AP US Government and Politics differentiated in APEX? Since 2002, the freshman year APEX course in Social Studies has been AP US Government and Politics. More writing assignments beyond AP curriculum Faster pace time for higherlevel discussion Different assignments and final project Cross-curricular field trips Seminar Discussions Culture of high achievement resulting from cohort

4 Non-APEX AP Government Scores APEX AP Government Scores Non-APEX AP Govt Exam Scores APEX AP Govt Exam Scores, % 90% 80% 70% 50% 40% 0% 11% 23% 35% 14% 37% 31% 21% 37% 28% 29% 35% 29% 32% 28% 22% 27% 29% 15% 18% 23% 15% 13% 9% 8% 6% 3% 3% 4% 5% 2% 1% Nat'l Avg % 90% 80% 70% 50% 40% 0% 11% 13% 14% 47% 54% 63% 64% 69% 67% 73% 56% 27% 35% 23% 14% 17% 23% 13% 17% 9% 11% 7% 5% 5% 0% 0% 2% 2% 4% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Nat'l Avg The APEX Student Experience Christian Ackermann, Senior Olivia Kunkle, Senior Michael Nevett, Senior Emma Jean Thomas, Junior Yosef Malka, Sophomore Blen Michael, Sophomore Application Elements Part 1 Online Application Part 2 Extra Curricular Form Teacher Recommendations APEX Application Testing Nov 11, 10AM Online Application Student completes all of Part 1 online Due by November 3, 2017 Student prints Part 2 from online screen and provides requested information (Extra-Curricular Activities Form) Due to counselor between 11/6/17 and 11/21/17

5 Student responsibility Ask four current eighth grade academic teachers (English, World Languages, Math, Science and/or Social Studies) if they are willing to complete a confidential evaluation form. Get accurate addresses for these teachers! Know the Home middle school and high school for where you live. Students not attending Tilden or NBMS need counselor name, phone number & address. Writing Sample and Verbal/ Reading Comprehension Exam Administered to All Applicants Saturday, 11/11/17 in the WJ Cafeteria 10 AM Make-up 11/14/17 in Room PM questions to: apex@walterjohnson.com OR call APEX Information is available in the Programs section of the website under APEX Scholars or directly at: Ms. Kathy Simmons at