Advanced Academics

Types of Advanced Academic Courses

Advanced/Honors	AP	Dual Credit	OnRamps
Formerly known as "Pre-AP" Moderately rigorous courses that prepare students to move up to fast-paced AP, Dual Credit, or OnRamps courses 5 weighted points	"Advanced Placement" Governed by the College Board Reading/writing intensive college prep classes Students must score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam to be eligible for college credit 8 weighted points	Students are dually enrolled at Northwest Vista Reading/writing intensive college prep classes Students must maintain a passing average for the semester/year to earn college credit 5 weighted points	Students are dually enrolled through The University of Texas at Austin Students are awarded college credit based on their cumulative average at the end of the course 8 weighted points

Click the image below to access the Advanced Academics Night presentation

Advanced Academics includes Advanced Placement (AP) classes, Dual Credit classes, UT OnRamps classes, and the Alamo Academies. Some of these classes and programs require an application process for students to qualify.

Dual Credit students are simultaneously enrolled in their high school classes while also taking college classes through one of the Alamo Colleges. Most, although not all, Dual Credit classes are offered on campus and stacked with AP and Advanced classes so students can take advantage of the AP program as well. Dual Credit students earn college credit by completing their courses with a C average or higher. This credit is transferable to Texas public college/universities and some private.

Please reach out to the Academic Dean and/or Student Success Advisor with any questions about Advanced Academics.

Bernadette Gonzales, Academic Dean (bernadette.gonzales@nisd.net)
Sarah Kohn, Student Success Advisor (sarah.kohn@nisd.net)

What’s the Difference?	Dual Credit	Advanced Placement (AP)	UT On Ramps
# of Courses	Max of 14 dual credit courses, recommend do not exceed 30 college hours to avoid affecting financial aid and students do not exceed 3 Dual courses a year (15 hours/semester)	There are no limits as to how many courses a student can take.	There are no limits as to how many courses a student can take.
Eligibility	Students must apply and take the TSI (or PSAT exemption) to qualify for Dual Credit courses.	There is no pre-test or application required to qualify to take AP courses.	Must meet course prerequisites
Earning College Credit	College credit is earned by passing each semester of the high school course (70 or higher).	College credit is earned by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP test administered in May.	UT professor awards college grades based on university work and assessments.
Weighted Points added per Semester when calculating GPA/Class Placement	AP/DC- 8 Points DC Only- 5 Points	8 Points	8 Points
Credit Transfer	College credit is transferable to other universities/colleges. Students should consult with their chosen college/university to inquire about transferability.	University determines course equivalency. AP scores of 3 or higher may qualify students for college credit nationwide. Each university determines score to course equivalency.	College credit is transferable to other universities/colleges. Students should consult with their chosen college/university to inquire about transferability.

All Steps to Dual Credit Process (940.52 KB)

2023-2024 AP Exam Schedule

WEEK 1
Monday May 5th	8:00 a.m. Biology +
Tuesday May 6th	8:00 a.m. Chemistry + 8:00 a.m. Human Geography 12:00 p.m. US Govt. and Politics
Wednesday May 7th	8:00 a.m. English Literature and Composition
Thursday May 8th	12:00 p.m. World History
Friday May 9th	8:00 a.m. United States History 12:00 p.m. Macroeconomics + 12:00 p.m. Art 2D 12:00 p.m. Art 3D 12:00 p.m. Drawing Submission Deadline

WEEK 2
Monday May 12th	8:00 a.m. Calculus AB + 8:00 a.m. Calculus BC + 12:00 p.m. Music Theory
Tuesday May 13th	8:00 a.m. Precalculus + 12:00 p.m. Environmental Science 12:00 p.m. Physics 2 +
Wednesday May 14th	8:00 a.m. English Language
Thursday May 15th	8:00 a.m. Art History 8:00 a.m. Spanish Language
Friday May 16th	8:00 a.m. Physics 1 + 12:00 p.m. Psuchology

AP Exam Schedule (369.12 KB)

Warren HS Advanced Placement Courses

Freshman:

Human Geography AP
Spanish Language AP
Music Theory AP
Drawing AP
Art 2-D AP
Art 3-D AP
Art History AP

Sophomores:

World History AP
Environmental Science AP
Psychology AP
Biology AP
Spanish Language AP
Music Theory AP
Drawing AP
Art 2-D AP
Art 3-D AP
Art History AP

Juniors:

United States History AP
English Language and Composition AP
Precalculus AP
Calculus AB AP
Calculus BC AP
Physics 1 AP
Environmental Science AP
Psychology AP
Biology AP
Spanish Language AP
Music Theory AP
Drawing AP
Art 2-D AP
Art 3-D AP
Art History AP

Seniors:

United States Government and Politics AP
Macroeconomics AP
English Literature and Composition AP
Precalculus AP
Calculus AB AP
Calculus BC AP
Physics 1 AP
Physics 2 AP
Environmental Science AP
Psychology AP
Biology AP
Spanish Language AP
Music Theory AP
Drawing AP
Art 2-D AP
Art 3-D AP
Art History AP

AP Courses by Grade Level (91.83 KB)

AP EXAM REGISTRATION:

In the cafeteria during 4th, 5th and 6th period lunches-

* Tuesday, October 8th

* Wednesday, October 9th

* Thursday, October 10th

************************************************************************************

Step 1: Join the AP Classroom in your College Board account for each AP course you are enrolled in.

Step 2: Complete the registration form and make payment in cash or check made out to Earl Warren High School.

* $40 per AP Exam

* $10 per AP Exam for Economically Disadvantaged Students

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MRS. KOHN (A114)

sarah.kohn@nisd.net

(210) 397-4319

To access Warren/CCA's Dual Credit Website, please click here.

Subscribe to the Dual Credit Remind to receive notifications so you do not miss any deadlines!

Dual Credit Application Process/Deadlines

Application Steps		Due Date
1	Submit Apply Texas Application	February 21, 2025
2	Email your Official PSAT Score Report from College Board	March 7, 2025
3	Dual Credit Student Orientation in CANVAS	March 28, 2025
4	Register for the TSI Test	2 Days Before TSI Testing Day
5	Take the TSI Test	TBD
6	Register for your Dual Credit courses.	When you meet with your counselor to choose courses.

Questions about Dual Credit? Contact: sarah.kohn@nisd.net

2025-2026 ApplyTexas A Step-by-Step Guide for NEW to Dual Credit Student

Dual Credit Informational Video

All Steps of the Dual Credit Process

What is Dual Credit?

Dual Credit at Northwest Vista

Dual credit classes are classes that you take in high school that also give you college credits in the state of Texas at the same time. This is a great opportunity for you because the dual credit program is completely free of charge! You could graduate from high school with up to 30 hours of college credit before even stepping onto a college campus! (That's one entire year already completed)!

How Do I Get Into Dual Credit?

In order to be eligible for Dual Credit courses, students must go through the application process, meeting ALL deadlines and requirements. It begins in November each school year. So, to take Dual classes in their Junior year, a student must begin the application process during their Sophomore year. The application opens up by November annually with the Apply Texas Application deadline being in February. (Apply Texas is the first step in the process). Please know that it is a lengthy process with multiple due dates. Northwest Vista College offers no exceptions for students that do not meet all deadlines. Luckily, if you follow the instructions below, you should be able to navigate the entire process easily; just make sure you do not wait until the last minute! Each deadline builds upon the previous deadline which is why missing any step ends your chance at taking Dual Credit courses for the next year.

How is Dual Credit different from AP?

In Dual Credit Classes, college credit is earned upon completion of the class with a grade of "C" or higher (no additional test)
In an Advance Placement (AP) class, college credit is not earned until a student takes and achieves a certain score on an AP test.
AP Credit is not automatically transmitted on the college transcript: students must follow through with the admission procedure to have the credit posted on the college transcript.
An AP course grade does not appear on a student's permanent college transcript.
Dual Credit courses generally transfer to most Texas Public Universities (always check with the school, you want to attend about transfer credits)
AP Scores are accepted at most colleges and universities across the Nation (qualifying scores may differ)

How does Dual Credit work?

Students earn two sets of grades:
- one for the college which will be calculated into the overall college GPA and automatically transmitted on the college transcript
- one for the high school which will be calculated into the high school GPA and transmitted on the high school transcript
DC courses are designed off a college curriculum and taught by high school teachers approved and hired as adjunct college instructors.
If the student does not qualify for DC, they can still be enrolled in the course but can only earn AP credit

What are the advantages of Dual Credit?

It saves money! Students can earn up to fourteen courses of college credit at no cost. It reduces the cost of tuition and textbooks resulting in thousands of dollars in savings.
It gets many prerequisites out of the way.
Students take on the responsibilities of being a college student, potentially easing the transition from high school to college.

Dual Credit Helpful Links:

Who should take Dual Credit?

The Dual Credit Program is designed for high school juniors and seniors (and some sophomores) seeking to get a jump on their college careers.
Students who have test scores that indicate they are ready to enter the program and who feel comfortable doing college level work should consider Dual Credit.
Students are allowed to take up to 15 college hours per semester of Dual courses.
Students can take up to 14 total courses in High School for Dual Credit! (Some classes count as two courses though; for example, English Three AP Dual at Clark is ENGL 1301 and 1302 at NVC.

Dual Credit Helpful Links:

Dual Credit Checklist ✓

In order to be eligible for Dual Credit, you must meet each of these deadlines. For any questions contact Mrs. Kohn (A114) or Mrs. Wade (counseling office).

✓ Step 1:

Apply for Admission
Deadline: February 21st, 2025

Go to goapplytexas.org and complete the Apply Texas Online Application. You must forward the "Application ID #" email to sarah.kohn@nisd.net to complete this step. Include your S# and graduation year in the email. Once application is processed, you will receive emails - one from ApplyTexas and three from Alamo Colleges. The first email from Alamo Colleges will include instructions and information for ACES and AlamoENROLL START HERE tab.

✓ Step 2:

Print or download your official PSAT Score Report from College Board.
Deadline: March 7th. 2025

Turn it in to Mrs. Kohn in A114 or email it to sarah.kohn@nisd.net Make sure to include your "S number" as a part of the subject line.

✓ Step 3:

Dual Credit Student Orientation Including Alamo ENROLL modules (Go FAARR and TSI Test Prep)
Deadline: March 28th, 2025

Once you have received your email from Alamo Colleges with your ACES information, go to aces.alamo.edu. Log into ACES and find the START HERE tab at the top of the page. If you haven't received this information and applied at least two weeks previously, go see Mrs. Kohn (A114) or Mrs. Wade (Counseling office). Click on each ENROLL button to access the GO FAAR and Test Prep modules.

✓ Step 4:

Register for the TSI Test with Ms. Smith in the counseling office.
Deadline: 2 days prior to TSI test date

If you were TSI exempt from your PSAT, you do not need to do this step. Once you
have completed the first three steps, you can register for the TSI test. It is $14 in cash
or check made out to Earl Warren High School.

✓ Step 5:

Take the TSI. Testing dates at Warren: TBD
Deadline:

If you were TSI exempt from your PSAT, you do not need to do this step.

✓ Step 6:

Register for your Dual Credit courses.

When you meet with your counselor to choose courses, be sure to let them know
which dual credit classes you want to take.

Warren HS Dual Credit Course Offerings

WHS COURSE NAME	COLLEGE COURSE NAME	TYPE	CREDIT HR
ENGLISH
English 3 AP/D	ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302	Fall + Spring	6
English 4 AP/D	ENGL 2332 and ENGL 2333	Fall + Spring	6
Eng 4 H/D	ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302	Fall + Spring	6
SPANISH
Spanish 3 Dual	SPAN 2311 and SPAN 2312	Fall + Spring	6
HISTORY
US History AP/D	HIST 1301 and HIST 1302	Fall + Spring	6
SCIENCE
Biology AP/D	BIOL 1406 and BIOL 1407	Fall + Spring	8
Environmental Science AP/D	BIOL 2406	Year Long	4
MATH
College Algebra Dual	MATH 1414	Year Long	4
Advanced Pre Calculus Dual	MATH 1414	Fall	4
	MATH 2413	Spring	4
Calculus AB AP Dual	MATH 2413 & MATH 2414	Fall + Spring	8
ART
Art Appreciation Dual	Arts 1304	Year Long	3
CONSTRUCTION
Construction Tech I Dual	CNBT 1311 Const. Methods & Materials	Fall	3
	CNBT 1416 Const. Tech I	Spring	4
Construction Tech II Dual (Starting 24-25)	CNBT 1450 Const. Tech II	Fall	4
	CNBT 1453 Const. Tech III	Spring	4

Dual Credit Courses Offerings (57.08 KB)

OnRamps students are simultaneously enrolled in their high school classes while also taking college classes through UT Austin.

The high school teacher is responsible for evaluating and awarding the student's high school grade. The college instructor is responsible for evaluating and awarding the student's college grade.

Based on the grade received in the college course, students can accept college credit transferable to Texas public colleges/universities.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Information

Understanding TSI and College Readiness:

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a legislatively mandated program designed to guide Texas public institutions of higher education in helping determine whether entering, non-exempt students are ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and mathematics. Students are exempt from this program if they meet college readiness benchmarks on the SAT, ACT, STAAR English III or Algebra II EOCs, successfully complete the high school College Preparatory Course, among other ways (click here for a complete list of TSI exemptions).

Entering students who do not meet a TSI exemption will need to take the TSI assessment. Students who do not meet one or more of the established benchmarks of the TSI assessment are required to receive developmental education academic support as determined by the institution.

TSI Warren Campus Information:

View the list of acceptable ways to be exempt from taking the TSI. All proof must be submitted to Ms. Sarah Kohn and official copies sent to NVC prior to TSI test date.

Students can create an Accuplacer account and then utilize the numerous resources available including practice tests. There will be a Math section on the test as well as a Reading section and an Essay. For a detailed explanation of the TSI test, visit the Accuplacer pre-assessment and practice resources webpage.

What is the TSIA 2 and do I have to take it?

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests help Texas schools determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses in the areas of reading, writing, and math.