Advanced Placement (AP) Program

The Advanced Placement (AP) program, developed by the College Board, offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in school. AP courses are rigorous, academically challenging, and recognized globally by top universities.

At DAA, we are proud to offer a growing and dynamic AP program that prepares students for university-level work and supports their aspirations for higher education worldwide.

Why Choose AP at DAA?

The AP program at DAA provides numerous benefits:

• College Credit & Advanced Placement
  Students who perform well on AP exams (typically scoring a 3 or higher) may earn college credit or qualify for advanced placement at many universities, saving time and tuition fees.

• Academic Rigor & College Admissions
  AP courses demonstrate a student’s readiness for university-level study. Admissions teams at competitive colleges value AP coursework as a sign of academic motivation and success.

• Skill Development
  Students develop critical thinking, time management, research, and analytical writing skills that are essential for post-secondary education.

AP at DAA – Program Overview

Since launching in 2019, with 64 students taking 89 exams across 10 courses, DAA’s AP Program has grown significantly. In 2025 359 students sat for 633 AP exams with 90% Pass rate.

•  30% of students scored a perfect score of 5.

•  90% of students received a score of 3 or higher.

• Record-high performance in AP Precalculus: 30 out of 40 students earned a score of 5 with a mean score of 4.61

• 100% Pass Rate in AP 2-D Art and Design, AP Calculus BC, and AP Precalculus!

There were 359 students who sat for 633 AP exams. Some students sat for more than one exam.

• A total of 150 exams received a perfect score of 5.

• A total of 569 exams received a score of 3 or higher.

We align our AP program with the College Board’s standards while tailoring support for each student’s academic path and college goals.

AP Course Offerings at DAA 

• 19 AP courses offered across 6 disciplines

• AP Capstone Diploma offered (AP Seminar & AP Research)

AP courses are taught by highly qualified teachers and some utilize digital portfolios or special tools, such as the College Board’s Digital Portfolio system.

Course Eligibility & Recommendations

To ensure academic success, DAA has developed clear recommendation criteria:

Student Eligibility

• Grades 9–10: Up to 2 AP courses (up to 3 in exceptional cases, with approval)

• Grades 11–12 (US Diploma): Up to 3 AP courses

• IB Diploma students: Not eligible for AP courses due to workload

• More than 3 APs: Requires approval from AP Coordinator, Counselor, and Principal, plus signed consent

Recommendation Criteria

• Academic Grades: B+ in Honors or A in Standard prerequisite

• Teacher feedback: Work ethic, curiosity, engagement

• Benchmark scores: MAP/CAT4 performance

• Time Commitment: 5–10 hours/week per course

About AP Exams

• When: Exams are conducted annually in May

• Scoring: Exams are graded on a 1–5 scale

• Credit Awarding: Varies by university (typically 3+ is credit-worthy)

• Registration: Managed by DAA’s AP Coordinator to be paid in October

• Score Release: July

• Fees: Standard College Board fee per exam.

Note: "Self-study" AP courses are not permitted at DAA. Students who wish to sit AP exams externally may do so independently and request a No Objection Letter from the school.

Please refer to the College Board’s AP Exam Schedule for exact dates.

Understanding AP Scores at DAA

Scores are calculated based on a combination of multiple-choice and free-response sections, weighted by the College Board’s standards.

How to Prepare for AP

Support from home plays a key role in student success. Parents can help by:

• Encouraging consistent study habits

• Discussing academic goals regularly

• Providing access to AP resources and review materials

• Staying in touch with teachers and the AP Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between AP and Honors?

• AP: College-level course with an external standardized exam. Can earn college credit.

• Honors: More rigorous than standard, but does not lead to college credit.

Q: How are AP courses weighted in GPA at DAA?

• AP courses receive an additional +0.25 GPA weighting to reflect their rigor.

Q: Can I take an AP exam without taking the course at DAA?

• No. DAA does not allow self-study AP exam registration internally. You may register through an external AP center, and we’ll provide a No Objection Letter.

Contact Us

For questions or more information about DAA’s AP Program, please contact:

Ms. Purnima Sharma
AP Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

 

Ms. Purnima Sharma is a passionate and visionary educator with over 20 years of experience in international education. With a strong academic foundation, including Master's degrees in Biology, Education, and Business Administration (IT),she is deeply committed to nurturing globally competent, ethical, and inquiry-driven learners. She brings extensive leadership experience as an AP Coordinator, IBDP Coordinator, SAT Coordinator, and examiner for both IB and AP programs. Ms. Sharma has taught across IBDP, MYP, AP, IGCSE, A-level, and American Common Core curricula, and has led numerous workshops on assessment strategies, ATL skills, and curriculum planning. As the AP Coordinator at GEMS Dubai American Academy, Ms. Sharma has played a key role in growing the AP program into one of the most dynamic in the region. She has successfully led IBDP 5-year evaluation and led curriculum innovation across schools. She is also a certified workshop leader and examiner, deeply engaged in shaping academic excellence and whole-child development. With her expertise and passion for holistic education, Ms. Sharma continues to inspire students and educators alike, empowering learners to thrive as future-ready global leaders.

Visit the College Board AP Students website for detailed information about courses, exams, credit policies, and college planning.