Credits & Levels

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOUR UNIQUE ACADEMIC JOURNEY AND NEEDS.

Students have the opportunity to take their classes at six different academic levels so that they may study each college preparatory core content area at a depth and pace that is appropriate for them.

Academic Levels at Assumption

Through our academic advising process each year, we work to ensure that students are consistently pushed to reach that next level of challenge when they are ready for it.

Students’ teachers, dean of studies, and counselors all have conversations with the students in their classes about whether they should stay in their current level of challenge or move to a level based on their classroom performance. Courses are leveled according to the degree of difficulty and the depth of subject matter as well as the requirements of the course. All levels are part of a pre-college curriculum.

Our size allows us to provide fluid academic levels for ability which means that, for example, a student who excels in math and science but is not as strong in English is able to take those classes at the level that is appropriate for her.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Nationally Recognized College-Level Study.

Advanced Placement courses offer students the opportunity to engage in rigorous college-level coursework through College Board-approved curricula. Students prepare for the AP examination while developing the skills necessary for success in higher education. Students can expect:

College-level rigor and academic challenge
Extensive analysis, writing, and problem-solving
Independent inquiry and intellectual exploration
Preparation for the national AP examination
Potential college credit based on examination performance

Learn more about our Advancement Placement courses here.

Dual Credit (DC)

College Coursework with College Credit Opportunities.

Dual Credit courses allow students to participate in authentic college-level learning while earning both high school credit and potential college credit through university partnerships.

Students can expect:

College-level curriculum and expectations
Advanced reading, writing, and research
Independent learning and personal responsibility
Coursework aligned with university standards
Opportunities to earn transferable college credit

Learn more about our dual credit courses here.

College Prep Levels

Advanced (AD)

Assumption's Highest High School-Level Coursework

Advanced courses represent the highest level of high school coursework offered at Assumption. Students engage in sophisticated exploration of complex concepts through extensive independent inquiry, advanced analysis, and significant academic responsibility.

Students can expect:

The highest level of rigor available outside AP and Dual Credit
Extensive independent learning and intellectual exploration
Advanced application, evaluation, and synthesis of concepts
Significant preparation and learning beyond the classroom
Preparation for the expectations of highly selective colleges and universities

Honors 1 (H1)

Advanced Academic Challenge

Honors 1 courses provide a highly rigorous academic experience for students seeking exceptional challenge, depth of study, and intellectual engagement. Coursework emphasizes advanced analysis, research, problem-solving, and independent inquiry through accelerated instruction and high expectations for student ownership of learning.

Students can expect:

Accelerated pace and advanced coursework
Significant independent inquiry and research
Complex analysis and evaluation of ideas
Extensive critical thinking and problem-solving
Expectations similar to Assumption's most rigorous high school coursework

Honors (H)

Rigorous College Preparatory Learning.

Honors courses provide a challenging college-preparatory experience that emphasizes deeper understanding, critical thinking, and independent learning. Students engage with content at an accelerated pace while exploring concepts through analysis, discussion, and application.

Students can expect:

Rigorous college-preparatory coursework
Increased emphasis on analysis and critical thinking
Independent study and research opportunities
Higher expectations for initiative and academic responsibility
Meaningful exploration of complex concepts and ideas

Academic (AC)

Building Skills. Building Confidence.

Academic courses provide a strong college-preparatory foundation while emphasizing the development of core academic skills. Students build confidence in critical thinking, communication, organization, and problem-solving through structured instruction and teacher support.

Students can expect:

Clear instruction and guided practice
Frequent reinforcement of essential skills and concepts
Opportunities to strengthen independent learning habits
Regular feedback and academic support
Preparation for future honors-level and advanced coursework

Learn more

Assumption offers 120 different elective choices at varying academic levels. Check them out:

2026-2027 COURSE CATALOG