Make the most of your high school experience and earn college credits with our Advanced Placement (AP) program at Minnetonka High School (MHS). Our AP teachers are passionate about their courses and eager to support students undertaking this college-level work. Their dedication benefits our students. Depending on your AP exam scores and college credit policies, you may
earn college credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's
colleges and universities.
We offer 28 AP courses in English, world languages, social sciences, history, sciences, mathematics, computer science and the arts. MHS also offers a variety of AP courses through Tonka Online.
AP offers something for everyone. The only requirements are a strong curiosity for the subject you plan to study and a willingness to work hard.
Research is clear: When you take college-level courses in high school, you are more likely to complete your college degree. Whether you are awarded credit or not, our graduates tell us the AP courses better prepared them for the rigor, writing and study skills needed for future success.
Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques
Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work
Receive college credit (85% of Minnetonka AP students score a 3 or higher on their AP exams, the minimum score needed for college credit consideration)
Once you've decided to take the AP challenge, it's easy to enroll through your regular course registration process. If you have any questions, talk to your current teachers, an AP teacher, your counselor, or Laura Herbst, our Advanced Learning Coordinator, about the course(s) you want to take. Discuss the course workload and any preparation you may need.
For a complete list of AP courses, see below.
Course Listing
To filter courses by grade level, please type your grade (Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12) into the search bar above and click "search."
Course: #AP404, S1 Course: #AP406, S2 Grade(s) offered: 11-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: B or better in Precalculus, Precalculus Honors or Calculus
This course is equivalent to a first semester of college calculus. It is focused on single variable differential and integral calculus and applications.
Course: #AP408, S1 Course: #AP410, S2 Grade(s) offered: 11-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: C or better in AP Calculus AB or A- or better in Calculus
This course is equivalent to a second semester college calculus course. It includes review of AP Calculus AB along with advanced integration and differentiation techniques.
Course: #AP304, S1 Course: #AP306, S2 Grade(s) offered: 10-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: A or B in Physical Science Honors and Higher Algebra
AP Chemistry teaches the concepts and applications of first-year college Chemistry. A process of problem solving is continually modeled and It is expected that students electing this course will take the AP Exam.
This college-level course analyzes the political systems of the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria and Iran. By examining these six countries, students will develop an understanding of political concepts and themes.
Course: #AP412, S1 Course: #AP414, S2 Grade(s) offered: 9-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: C or better in Higher Algebra, Higher Algebra Honors, or Instructor’s permission
AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science fundamentals, focusing on object-oriented programming languages.
Course: #AP416, S1 Course: #AP418, S2 Course: #T966F, Tonka Online Course: #T967W, Tonka Online This course can also be taken through VANTAGE #V500 (choose one) Grades Offered: 9-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: C or better in Algebra; Introduction to Computer Science is recommended but not required
Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.
Course: #AP100, S1 Course: #AP102, S2 Grade(s) offered: 11 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: Any English 10 Course
This course emphasizes accurate, perceptive reading of major British and American Literature representing all literary genres—poetry, drama, novel, short story—covering the 17th to the 20th century.
Course: #T200F, Tonka Online* Course: #T202W, Tonka Online* *Online, complete part 1 before part 2. This course may also be taken through VANTAGE #V300 (choose only one) Grade(s) offered: 11-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physical Science
This is a multidisciplinary course for students interested in the world’s natural environment and related issues.
Course: #AP500, S1 Course: #AP502, S2 Grade(s) offered: 12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: French IV and permission from the instructor or IB French SL
The course provides students with opportunities to connect with Francophone culture using the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) in a variety of tasks.
Course: #AP200, S1 Course: #AP202, S2 Grade: 9 Credits: 1.0 (year-long course) Prerequisites: B+ or better in 8th grade English and Social Studies
Human Geography is the study of humans and their interaction with their surroundings. An emphasis on spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences are the guiding ideas behind this course.
Course: #AP104 Course: #T704, Tonka Online Grade(s) offered: 12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: Any English 11 Course
In this course, students read and examine a broad range of nonfiction prose including essays, letters, speeches, images, media messages, memoirs, and autobiographies from a variety of authors and historical contexts.
Course: #AP700 Grade(s) offered: 10-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) This course completes .5 towards the Arts credit Prerequisites: A or B in Theory 1 or pretest/application prior to registration
Music Theory 2 is a one-term class designed for students who have some experience in music but want to further develop and increase skills in reading, writing, listening, and analyzing music. It is also designed to prepare students interested in studying music at the post-secondary level.
AP Physics I is an algebra-based physics course designed to develop deep understanding of the content and apply knowledge through inquiry-based labs. The English course focuses on preparing students for future research opportunities and for learning how to communicate in a technical and professional manner.
Course: #AP324, S1 Course: #AP326, S2 Grade(s) offered: 11-12 Credits: 1.0 (year-long course) This course completes 1.0 of a Science credit. Prerequisites: Calculus course and AP Physics 1 (or another physics course with teacher recommendation).
AP Physics C-Electricity & Magnetism is equivalent to a second semester calculus-based college physics course.
Course: #T208W, Tonka Online Grade(s) offered: 10-12 Credits: .5 (Spring semester only) Prerequisites: Have completed or be concurrently enrolled in both AP Physics 1 AND a calculus course.
This course covers mechanics topics with a calculus lens in a self-paced/teacher-guided online format. These topics are Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work/Energy/Power, Momentum, Rotation, and Oscillations.
Course: #AP220 Course: #T108, Tonka Online This course may also be taken as part of VANTAGE #V200 Grade(s) offered: 11-12 Credits: .5 (semester course) Prerequisites: None
Psychology is the study of behavior and mental process. This AP class is an introduction to college-level Psychology using a college text, “collegiate-style” pace and classroom climate, and college-level exams.
Course: #AP105, S1 Course: #AP106, S2 Grade(s) offered: 12 Credits: 1.0 (year-long course) Prerequisites: AP Seminar, during junior year, through VANTAGE Global Business
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question.
The AP Spanish Language and Culture course allows students to use their developing language skills in new and authentic ways. Students encounter and analyze a variety of texts on a weekly basis.
Course: #AP400, S1 Course: #AP402, S2 Course: #T354 F/W,* Tonka Online Course: #T356 F/W,* Tonka Online *Online, complete part 1 before part 2. This course can also be taken as part of VANTAGE #V100 (choose one)* Grade(s) offered: 10-12 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: Successful completion (B- or better) of Math Studies, Functions, Stats & Trig, Precalculus or teacher recommendation
This course is a college level study of the statistical topics of experimental design, data analysis, and methods of inference.
Course: #AP602, S1 Course: #AP603, S2 Grade(s) offered: 11-12 Credits: 1.0 (year-long course) This course fulfills the Arts requirement. Prerequisites: Successful completion of two or more semesters of art; Drawing highly recommended
In AP Studio Art you create a portfolio to turn in for the AP Studio Art Exam. The portfolio will be Drawing, 2D or 3D.
Course: #AP204, S1 Course: #AP206, S2 Grade(s) offered: 10 Credits: .5 (per semester) Prerequisites: Civics andHuman Geography; AP Human Geography
Students complete advanced level reading, writing, and analysis on topics in the history of the U.S. Reading assignments come from a college-level text, and students work with others to become more skilled at writing historical essays.
Through readings, research, discussions, field experiences, and media presentations, students will study political ideologies, parties, campaigns, elections, interest groups, bureaucracy, civil liberties, role of the media, the judicial, legislative and executive processes, and the creation of public policy.
Course: #V100 Grade(s) offered: 11 or 12 Credits: 2.0 (1.0 math credit and 1.0 business elective credit) Prerequisites: Interest in global business and statistics. Students registering for IB Business Management HL must have completed the SL level.
This course teaches students the process of analyzing big data and discovering new information to support management decision-making in the business world.
Course: #V102 Grade(s) offered: 11 or 12 Credits: 3.0 (1.0 social studies credit, 1.0 required English credit and 1.0 business elective credit) Prerequisites: Interest in global business, students registering for IB Business Management HL must have completed the SL level
This VANTAGE strand creates an opportunity for students to explore diverse global business concepts through a global lens. Students utilized critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve complex business problems while tackling challenging coursework in economics, English and business.
Course: #V300 Grades Offered: 11 or 12 Credits: 2.0 (1.0 science elective credit and 1.0 social studies credit) Prerequisites: Interest in the environment and sustainability. Students must have completed a Biology credit (Biology G, AP Biology or IB Biology SL).
This experiential course meets students at the intersection of science, food, sustainability, and economics. Students work on real projects as they go deep into sustainable practices.
Course: #V200 Grade(s) offered: 11 or 12 Credits: 2.25 (1.0 social studies credit, 1.0 science elective credit, .25 science elective credit) Prerequisites: Physical science and algebra; interest in health sciences; chemistry strongly recommended. Students who have already completed Anatomy are NOT eligible for this strand. Contact VANTAGE directly or your counselor for specifics.
Explore a variety of healthcare fields through coursework, site visits, guest instruction and projects. Become certified as a Nursing Assistant Registered or Emergency Medical Responder.
Course: #T217S, summer only Grade(s) offered: 10-11 Credits: .5 (summer) This course completes .5 toward an elective credit. Prerequisites: Students should be registered for AP Biology in the fall; optional course for preceding summer.
Students in this summer course will complete online study and engage in learning activities to prepare for the rigor and pace of Advanced Placement (AP) Biology.
Course: #T213S, summer only, Tonka Online Grade(s) offered: 9-12 Credits: .5 (summer only) This course completes .5 toward an elective credit. Prerequisites: Students should be registered for AP Chemistry in the fall; optional course for preceding summer.
This course includes essential chemistry skills and includes support for the AP Chemistry summer assignment. The overall goal is to provide a pathway for prospective AP Chemistry students to solidify a strong chemistry foundation as they transition to college level coursework.
Course: #T130S, summer only, Tonka Online Grades Offered: 10 Credits: .5 (summer) This course completes .5 toward an elective credit Prerequisites: Students should be registered for AP U.S. History in the fall; this is an optional course for the preceding summer.
Students will complete online study and practice learning activities to prepare for the rigor and pace of Advanced Placement U.S. History.
Course: #V500 Grade(s) offered: 10-12 Credits: 2.0 (1.0 Arts credit and 1.0 computer science elective credit) This course fulfills the Arts credit requirement. Prerequisites: Interest in how applications and websites are designed and developed.
Develop skills in creative problem solving, innovation and human-centered design. Design and develop mobile apps and websites through the VANTAGE experience.