Consistent with its mission as a college preparatory institution, Bishop Byrne Middle and High School offers advanced placement and honors courses which are available to selected students who meet prerequisite criteria. Generally, the following prerequisites must be met:

	The student (grades 7-9) must obtain a score at or above the 75th percentile in areas in which honors/AP classes are offered as measured on the National Education Development Test or the Iowa Test of Basic Skills
	The student must be recommended for admission into the honors program by teachers in a specific academic department

The AP program, sponsored and administered by the College Board, consists of college level courses that are offered in more than 10,000 high schools in every state of the United States, every province in Canada, and 63 other countries. They are recognized by nearly 2,900 U.S. and foreign colleges and universities that grant credit, appropriate placement, or both to students who perform satisfactorily on the AP examinations. AP classes give talented, highly motivated students the opportunity to sample college level courses and earn college credit before they enter college.

In May of each year, students who have completed AP classes sit for national examinations prepared by the College Board. In June, the examinations are graded by more than 2,800 college and secondary school teachers brought together especially for this purpose. Students' test results are mailed in July. Scores are based on the following five-point scale:

Each college or university determines which AP exam scores are acceptable for the assignment of credit at that institution. Many institutions grant credit for scores of 3 and above.

AP classes offer motivitated students a great opportunity. They can perfect college level skills and work habits while still in high school, and if they perform well on national exams, they can earn college credit before entering college. Any student who meets the prerequisite criteria and plans to enroll in a four year college will benefit from taking AP courses, but all students who plan to apply to competitive colleges and universities should seriously consider taking AP courses.