Our Academic Programs
PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE
Starts at Wolfson
Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies features two college preparatory programs: the AP & IB programs. Both programs offer a pathway to college readiness and admissions.
THE AP PROGRAM
The AP program features a collection of Advanced Placement, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses that provide ample opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
THE FIRST TWO YEARS
Regardless of which program you choose, the first two years at Wolfson look very similar for most students. Have a look at what courses are taken during 9th and 10th grade.
THE IB PROGRAM
The International Baccalaureate Programme is a world-renowned college preparatory program that emphasizes advanced level coursework across the curriculum.
Contact our IB / AP Program Coordinator
Find out information about upcoming tour dates, learn more about our IB & AP program, or set up a time to speak with our IB & AP program coordinator, Brandi Benga.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do the AP & IB programs differ?
The Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are both rigorous academic pathways for high school students, but they differ in structure and focus.
- The AP program, developed in the U.S., offers individual courses across various subjects, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest. Students earn college credit by scoring well on standardized exams at the end of each course. AP is flexible and ideal for students who want to tailor their coursework to specific strengths or career goals.
- The IB program, created in Switzerland, is a globally recognized, comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, research, and international-mindedness. It requires students to take a broad range of courses in six subject groups, complete a 4,000-word research paper (the Extended Essay), participate in a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects. IB is best suited for students who thrive in an interdisciplinary and holistic educational approach.
In short, AP allows for more subject-specific customization, while IB provides a broader, interconnected framework emphasizing global perspectives and academic depth. Credits from both programs are accepted at most colleges and universities world wide.
How do we apply to Wolfson’s AP & IB program?
The applications for both programs can be located on the parent focus portal. Pay attention to updates regarding deadlines and notifications from the DCPS school choice office.
Can we switch from AP to IB or vice versa?
It is important to apply to the academic program that you want to complete at Wolfson. It is best to speak directly with Ms. Benga regarding your program concerns. Scheduling adjustments between AP & IB courses require approval from our program coordinator and determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.