There are multiple reasons why taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses may benefit your students at home. The AP and IB programs allow students to participate in college-level coursework and potentially earn post-secondary school credits through testing. While the closest IB programs are in Green Bay, many of the high schools in Door and Kewaunee counties offer multiple AP courses covering subject areas like English, history, and science. Students that get a score of three or better on an AP test and four or five on an IB test could receive college credit, allowing them to forgo the class once they move on to a university. According to USA Today Network-Wisconsin data, the $97 price to take and pass an AP test is 10 to 15 percent of the investment of a three-credit course at a state university like UW-Green Bay or UW-Madison and two percent of a class at a private school like Marquette or St. Norbert. Luxemburg-Casco Principal Troy Haws and Academic Counselor Lindsay Allen say for many of their students, it is also about the rigors of the course that simulate the college experience.

The high schools in Door and Kewaunee counties not only offer AP courses, but they have also had success with it as well. Luxemburg-Casco has twice earned national honor roll distinction from The College Board, which recognizes school districts committed to providing access to AP courses for underrepresented students while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of three or higher. Last year, Gibraltar High School received recognition from the Wisconsin Department of Instruction for having at least 10 percent of its students take an AP class and 60 percent or more score a three or better on the exam.