AP Precalculus will be offered as an optional test for all students currently enrolled in all levels of Precalculus, Phillip Gartner, Instructional Supervisor of Mathematics, said.

While AP Precalculus is not currently a class offered at South, students will be able to complete an interest form and take the AP exam in May, Gartner said.

“Some students might [want to take the test], others might say no thanks; it’s voluntary, [so its] fine either way,” Gartner said.

At this time, there are no plans to offer an AP Precalculus class during the 2026-2027 school year, Dr. Joyce Kim, Associate Principal of Teaching and Learning, said. Statistics from the signup will be used to gauge interest, Kim said.

“We are offering [the test]  for data collection purposes only,” Kim said.

While many colleges will not accept the AP Precalculus credit because many students go on to take a different AP math class such as AP Calculus or AP Statistics, this test provides a unique opportunity for seniors who will not be able to take an AP math class at South, Gartner said. The scores from the test will also be used by South’s Math Department to gather data on their students, and whether a AP Precalculus class could benefit them in the future, Gartner said.

Students will be able to self-study using AP Classroom, a College Board website that provides students taking AP Exams with various resources such as additional videos and practice test, exam takers will join the AP Classroom to aid  their studying, but they can also use other materials, Kim said.

Junior Chris Nickolas has opted to take the test this year because he feels that the test may serve as a reflection of all the effort he is putting into his honors precalculus class this year. Nickolas plans to study for the test simply by reviewing some of his in class materials.

“I think [the test] will be challenging, but it’s a very good opportunity,” Nickolas said.