ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) 

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program® fosters excellence in student achievement. Students who take AP® are challenged to think for themselves and to engage the world critically and analytically in and outside of the classroom. The AP® Program prepares students for future success. Students can earn advanced credit or advanced standing at thousands of colleges and universities on the basis of their AP® achievements. 

Queen Elizabeth High School offers internationally recognized advanced placement programs for students who excel in academics. Students may choose to take one or several advanced placement courses depending on their interests and talents. These programs provide students with opportunities to work on university level courses in high school. 

The Advanced Placement Advantage 

• By participating in an AP course, students enter a world of intense discussion and thought. AP courses give students the intellectual responsibility to think for themselves and to learn to reason, analyze, and understand. 

• AP allows students to undertake college level academic learning and advance into second year college or university courses that traditionally have a much smaller enrollment. 

• Upon successful completion of an AP course, students are eligible to receive university credit and/or advanced placement at over 4000 colleges and universities worldwide. 

Advanced Placement Course Offerings  

(subject to course interest and enrollment) 

AP Biology 

AP Biology offers a college-level deep dive into the science of life — from cell biology and genetics through ecology and evolution. Students design and carry out experiments, collect and analyze data, and explore real biological systems. It’s ideal for anyone interested in medicine, environmental science, biotechnology, or any field where understanding living systems matters.  

AP Calculus AB 

AP Calculus AB mirrors a first-semester college calculus course, teaching limits, derivatives, integrals, and applications. For students with strong mathematical ability, it builds rigorous analytical skills and the mathematical maturity needed for further studies in mathematics, engineering, physics, economics, or any quantitative discipline. Passing the exam can give students a head start in university math.  

AP Chemistry 

AP Chemistry challenges curious minds with a rigorous exploration of chemical structure, reactions, thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and more. The course gives a strong foundation in how matter behaves — essential for careers in chemistry, chemical engineering, health sciences, and environmental science. Students gain lab experience and critical thinking skills that mirror first-year university chemistry.  

AP Computer Science A 

AP Computer Science A introduces students to fundamental programming and algorithmic thinking using a language like Java. Students learn computational problem solving, data structures, logic, and coding — skills increasingly important across science, engineering, business, and more. It’s an excellent way to prepare for computer science or any STEM-related path.  

AP English Literature and Composition 

AP English Literature and Composition gives students the opportunity to read, analyze, and interpret high-quality literature — from novels and plays to poetry. Through close reading and essay writing, students learn to identify literary techniques, understand authorial purpose, and articulate sophisticated arguments. This course strengthens writing, analytical thinking, and communication — skills valued in every major and career.  

AP European History 

AP European History takes students on a journey through Europe from the Renaissance to the present — covering political revolutions, cultural shifts, wars, social changes, and global influence. By analyzing primary and secondary sources and crafting evidence-based essays, students build strong critical-thinking and writing skills. This course is perfect for those interested in history, politics, international relations, law, or humanities.  

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (*Unique to Queen Elizabeth High School) 

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based physics course that explores electric fields, circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic effects — the very principles behind how modern electronics and many technologies work. Through lab work, problem solving, and conceptual reasoning, students learn to think like physicists. It’s especially valuable for those planning to study engineering, physics, or other physical sciences.  

AP Psychology 

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health. Throughout the course, students apply psychological concepts and employ psychological research methods and data interpretation to evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. 

AP Capstone at Queen Elizabeth High School

Queen Elizabeth High School is proud to be the only school in the Calgary Board of Education offering the prestigious AP Capstone program — a two-year sequence that builds exceptional skills in research, critical thinking, collaboration, and academic writing. Through AP Seminar and AP Research, students explore real-world issues that matter to them, design university-level research projects, and graduate with a credential recognized by top universities around the world. For motivated, curious learners who want a challenge and a competitive edge for post-secondary success, AP Capstone at QEHS is a unique opportunity you won’t find anywhere else. 

AP Seminar (*Unique to Queen Elizabeth High School) 

AP Seminar—part of the Capstone program—invites students to explore meaningful, real-world topics, gather and assess evidence from diverse sources, and build persuasive, well-reasoned arguments. Students learn to research, discuss, and communicate ideas — skills that build a foundation for college-level inquiry and interdisciplinary thinking. It appeals to students who enjoy debate, analysis, collaboration, and global issues.  

AP Research (*Unique to Queen Elizabeth High School) 

AP Research is the culmination of the AP Capstone program, giving students the opportunity to design and carry out a year-long independent research project on a topic of their choice. They learn to define a research question, gather and analyze data, and present their findings — developing college-level research, analysis, and presentation skills. This course is perfect for students who are self-motivated, intellectually curious, and interested in work like scientific research, humanities scholarship, or any project-based academic pursuit.