APEX-Reach Scholars Program Information

     

    Starting with the class of 2030, APEX Reach will transition to an AP Capstone- Diploma  Program. Current 8th graders do not need to apply to be part of the AP Capstone-Diploma Program. 

    Click here for more information about the AP Capstone-Diploma program.  

    Here is a link to the AP Capstone-Diploma program on the College Board Website.

    Here is a letter that was sent out to the WJ community on Jan. 30, 2026 about this transition. 

    APEX Reach students in the class of 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 will remain in APEX Reach with no changes. Information about the APEX Reach program for those students is below.

    About APEX-Reach: APEX-Reach Home | Program Information | Setting and Philosophy |
    The Course of Study | Benefits | Program Rewards |
    4 Year Planning |   All About APEX-Reach Slideshow |
    The Profile of APEX Reach Scholars 

     

     APEX-Reach Program - Setting and Philosophy

    The APEX-Reach program is designed as a four year course of study through which students follow a comprehensive curriculum combining accelerated honors level and intensive advanced placement level course work. The course of study provides students with a broad, general background in many academic areas at levels appropriate to highly academically gifted and motivated learners. In addition, students will chose an interested based academic pathway and complete rigorous course work in that area to complete the APEX-Reach program.

     

    The program setting includes a combination of both heterogeneously and homogeneously grouped classes integrated within the whole school. After a ninth grade program designed to offer structured support and skill refinement, the course of study is specifically designed to allow individual choices for APEX-Reach Scholars, affording them the flexibility to pursue individual educational goals during their 10th through 12th grade years. APEX-Reach Scholars are an integral part of Walter Johnson High School, not members of a school within a school.                                                                                                                                                                                                   ^top

    The Course of Study

    Initially, students are cohort in three APEX-Reach courses in order to facilitate cross-disciplinary learning experiences, nurture academic growth, build self-confidence, provide unique experiences, and prepare students for advanced placement course work. APEX-Reach Scholars are expected to complete a well-rounded educational program.

    • The freshman year is reserved for honors, and APEX-Reach level courses and one AP® course (APEX/AP U.S. Government and Politics). APEX-Reach Scholars are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher weighted GPA.

    • In the sophomore year, students are expected to complete at least two, Advanced Placement® courses. APEX-Reach Scholars are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher weighted GPA.

    • In the junior year of the program, students are expected to complete at least three Advanced Placement® courses. APEX-Reach Scholars are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher weighted GPA.

    • By the end of the senior year, students should have completed successfully at least nine Advanced Placement® courses with a score of three or higher on at least 6 AP exams. APEX-Reach Scholars are required to maintain a 3.5 or higher weighted GPA..

    • The eight core APEX courses in sequence are:

      • APEX-Reach Biology

      • APEX-Reach/AP U.S. Government & Politics

      • APEX-Reach English 9

      • APEX-Reach/AP US History

      • APEX-Reach English 10

      • APEX-Reach/AP World History

      • APEX-Reach/AP Language

      • APEX-Reach/AP Literature  

     

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    Course Selection

    Careful planning and selection of courses in the lower grades is important to meeting the prerequisites for optional Advanced Placement® courses in the upper grades.

    In all cases, when a student elects to take an Advanced Placement® course, the student is also expected to pay for and take the corresponding Advanced Placement® test from the College Board.

    Should a student, with appropriate counseling, decide that the APEX-Reach Scholars Program no longer meets his/her personal goals, the student may enter the honors level program.

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    Program Rewards

    APEX-Reach Scholar

    The designation of APEX-Reach Scholar will be awarded at graduation to any student in the program who has maintained a 3.5 weighted GPA. and has completed nine AP courses successfully and earned a three in at least six AP exams.  The APEX Scholar designation and an explanation of its significance is included with transcripts sent from WJ.

     College Board AP® Scholar

    APEX-Reach Scholars will also be recognized as AP® Scholars through the College Board provided their AP® test scores meet College Board criteria.

        

    Benefits enjoyed by APEX-Reach Scholars

    • Joining a cohort of gifted students in an intellectually stimulating program within the student's own community, which offers the flexibility to pursue individual educational goals.

    • Specialized support and preparation for successful completion of Advanced Placement® course work.

    • Opportunity to earn college credit, which can be applied in the United States and abroad, while in high school.

    • The potential to enter college with sophomore status.

    • Opportunities for extended, cross disciplinary learning experiences.

    • Formal recognition by the College Board in the AP® Scholar Program.

    • An accelerated program especially designed for highly gifted, able, motivated learners.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

     

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