A Message for Parents

A decision to move toward curricular independence, and thereby de-emphasize programs such as AP, is never taken lightly. To get a clearer understanding of why more schools are doing so, check out Secrets of the Brain and Myths About Learning, then browse the profiles of our schools. 

Though schools may cut back or eliminate courses designated as AP, students at such schools are generally well-prepared to take AP exams if they choose to do so.  Many ICG schools administer AP exams and remain committed to helping students prepare for the exams. Nor does the absence of courses designated as AP impact college placement. Many ICG schools, and others outside the organization, have had extensive conversations with colleges prior to revising their curriculums. No school has found meaningful opposition. After moving away from AP, our schools have uniformly experienced the same excellent record in college placement that they enjoyed when they had AP courses. Indeed, we believe that the unique curriculum at our schools often helps students to stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions process. Many of our students produce work that would not be possible in a standardized curriculum, and have hands-on experiences that set them apart from students elsewhere. The original purpose of the AP program was to provide advanced placement for college. But leading institutions are much more reluctant to grant such credit than they once were.  Only a tiny fraction of students with AP credit go on to early graduation, generally at less selective or non-selective institutions. 

Nothing is more fundamental to education at ICG schools than teaching a curriculum designed by its own faculty. We believe that the benefits of independence are overwhelming, and we are heartened by the fact that more schools are joining us with each passing year. For a full statement of the case against school-as-test-prep, visit Why Independence?  ICG schools are dedicated to providing students with the best possible preparation for college and for life. We hope that parents everywhere will enjoy reading about what is possible in schools that are genuinely student-centered.