AP exams cost money. Why does a student have to pay for an exam at a public school?

The AP level coursework is an elective level of rigor. Students must choose to enroll and stay in AP courses. The College Board, a non-profit private entity maintains, publishes and scores the AP exams. They determine the fee, each year, for each test. For the 2006-07 school year, the fee was $83 per test. We expect 2007-08 fee to be approximately the same. For low income families, there are fee waivers available. Please contact Mrs. Ballarin in the administration office for more information in February 2008 when it becomes available. Fees are collected in March each year for the May exams. To pay your student’s total bill, you will need to have your student bring to the finance office (during regular student hours) either a money order, a cashiers check made out to “West Hills High School”, or cash. You may also order on-line in the ASB store but there is a surcharge for this. No personal checks are accepted.

What AP courses does West Hills offer?

• Art History
• Art Studio
• Biology (alternates with Environmental Science; offered in 2008-09)
• Calculus (BC)
• Chemistry
• English Language
• English Literature
• Environmental Science (alternates with Biology; offered in 2009-10)
• European History (Online only, offered in 2009-10)
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Statistics
• US Government and Politics
• US History
• World History

What if my student has a testing conflict?

Late testing is available in very rare and unique circumstances and for CIF playoffs. The College Board will not allow late testing for illness (unless serious with doctor’s note or hospitalization), vacation, etc. Students should talk with the AP Coordinator, Mrs. Spilger, in the Assistant Principal’s office as soon as a conflict is known, particularly for CIF athletic competition needs.

Where can I get more information regarding the AP program?

The College Board hosts a very user friendly comprehensive web site at www.collegeboard.com. Look for “AP” and you will find massive resources on all the courses, testing, scoring, etc.

For course specific questions, please contact the West Hills teacher teaching the course your student is enrolled in.

You can also contact West Hills AP Coordinator, Assistant Principal Karen Spilger at 619-956-0422 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please put your student’s name and “AP question” in the subject line so the e-mail reaches Mrs. Spilger and is not filtered out.