Advanced Placement Power Scholars
at Clarksburg HS
APPS Coordinators: Bernie Legrande and Sarah Debelius
Bernestine_D_Legrande@mcpsmd.org
Sarah_L_Costlow@mcpsmd.org
301.444.3000
Frequently Asked Questions about APPS
Can my child take a class other than National State and Local Government (NSL) in the first year?
No. Most AP classes have prerequisites. A high school freshman does not have the prerequisites for most AP classes. History is the only area with no prerequisites set by the College Board.
Can my child take more than one AP class in the freshman year?
No. We limit it to one. We feel we would like students to be successful. We would like them to focus on one class and learn how to handle the workload.
Can my child be accepted into the program after grade 9?
It is discouraged, but we will accept applications form 10th graders. The program is not open to juniors and seniors unless they have transferred from another school.
How do you register when you don’t know if you got in?
Register as if the program did not exist. The only change that will be made will be putting your child in the AP NSL class. If you child would not normally be entering Honors classes, they were probably not a candidate for the APPS program.
My child is in competitive sports. Will they have enough time to study and do their sports in APPS program?
This is a question best answered by you and your child. Your child will need to balance these two parameters into something that works for them. It may leave less time for a social life.
What is the difference between APPS and IB programs?
Both programs are College preparatory. Both require 6 classes of College Credit worthy classes and exams. IB is a set path across disciplines and APPS is a program that offers flexibility in scheduling of classes as the student progresses. IB also requires a research based essay of 4,000 words and 150 hours of community service which they call CAS (Community Action Service). If a CHS student does a Capstone project in addition to APPS, it would be a comparable learning experience, but optional to them.
How does the APPS program work with the Capstone Program?
They are not mutually exclusive. The Capstone Program encourages students to complete a project in an area of interest to them. They can do this in conjunction with an AP class – such as AP biology or Environmental Studies both of which require projects. Or, they can do it as an independent study along with a mentor or other program.
How many students are in the program?
Currently, 93
How many students are accepted into the program?
We do not set a limit. We would like to accept all qualified students. Typically the number has run at about 40.
Do you go out to MS to recruit?
No. The counseling office mentions the program in their presentations at Middle Schools.
Can you get in the program if you live outside the Clarksburg HS school district?
No. You must be a student living in the Clarksburg HS articulation areas, or apply for a transfer into the area through MCPS.