Advanced Learning Programs
The greatest benefit of enrolling in an advanced program option is the experience of taking academic courses in an enriched environment with classmates who are seeking intellectual challenge, are motivated to learn, and are committed to excellence.
Participating in these courses will give scholars a head start on exactly the sort of work they will experience in college. Scholars will improve their writing skills and sharpen their critical thinking and research abilities. We encourage all scholars to take a stretch course, and there are a variety of advanced course options to choose from in all of our CTE Programs of Study and most subject areas.
To find out more information on which of your advanced program exam scores (AP, IB or Cambridge) transfer to Washington state technical, college and university institutions, visit your school of choice's website for the most up to date information.
Reporting and Priority Standards for our Advanced Programs are available to view here.
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Contact Us
For immediate assistance, please contact your school.
For district level questions, contact:
Joe Kosty
Executive Director of Accountability, Research, and Categorical Programs
253-945-2059
jkosty@fwps.org
Sonia Nicholson
Executive Director of MTSS
253-945-2002
snicholson@fwps.org
Dr. Melissa Spencer
Chief Academic Officer
253-945-2016
mspencer@fwps.org
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level classes. Scholars can earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities by taking and passing AP exams, which are administered by the College Board. A variety of AP classes are available in each school; please check the course catalog at each high school for specifics.
Cambridge Pathway Programs
Cambridge Pathway
Federal Way High School offers this international, pre-university curriculum and examination system. The Cambridge Pathway emphasizes the value of a broad and balanced study for scholars. It aims to encourage the skills of independent research and investigation, the use of initiative and creativity, and the application of knowledge and skills.
For additional information, visit the Cambridge International website.
Cambridge CheckPoint
The Cambridge Checkpoint Assessment is offered after delivery of a rigorous and relevant curriculum, supporting scholars in developing skills for success. Upon completion they can continue the Cambridge Pathway at Federal Way High School and earn an Advanced International Certificate of Education.
Cambridge Assessment International Education
Federal Way Public Schools is proud to be an extension of the University of Cambridge Preparatory system. Federal Way High School offers Cambridge Pathway coursework, while we also offer the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Assessment for some of our 8th grade scholars at Sacajawea and Lakota Middle School.
The Cambridge Pathway focuses on an international, pre-university curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of a broad and balanced study for scholars. It aims to encourage the skills of independent search and investigation, the use of initiative and creativity, and the application of knowledge and skills.
Links & Resources
Contact Our Coordinator
Craig Anderson
cranders@fwps.org
253-945-5442
Recognition Roster
Credits earned by scholars who participate in the AS & A Level and Cambridge AICE Diploma are recognized by many post-secondary institutions in Washington State.
- City University
- Gonzaga University
- Pacific Lutheran Univeristy
- Seattle Central Community College
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington
- Univeristy of Washington - Bothell & Tacoma
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- Whitman College
- Whitworth University
City University
Gonzaga University
Pacific Lutheran Univeristy
Seattle Central Community College
University of Puget Sound
University of Washington
The University of Washington (UW) encourages and applauds students who have pursued Advanced Level or Advanced Level Subsidiary exams as part of their high school curriculum. These courses are challenging and demanding, and we believe they provide excellent preparation for university study. Policy Overview: In general, up to 15 quarter credits will be granted for each A-level exam with a passing grade. Up to 7.5 quarter credits will be granted for each AS-level exam with a passing grade. No more than 45 quarter credits (one year) from all A-level and AS-level exams may be applied towards a UW degree. General elective credits in the subject area will be awarded unless the discipline’s academic department has previously approved UW course equivalencies. General elective credits may be applied towards the Areas of Knowledge (general education) graduation requirements. If UW equivalent courses are needed for a specific major, students will need to consult the academic department once they arrive on campus to have them evaluate the syllabus/content of the A-level or AS-level exam. No grades are posted for A-level or AS-level exams. Duplicate credit for the same subject taken on different exams like A-level, AS-level, AP, or IB will not be granted. Advanced credit policies are reviewed on a regular basis and are subject to change.
For more information on A Level or AS Level exams for credit, click on the appropriate link below
Univeristy of Washington - Bothell & Tacoma
We encourage and applaud students who have pursued Advanced Level or Advanced Subsidiary exams as part of their high school curriculum. These courses are challenging and demanding, and we believe they provide excellent preparation for university study. In general, up to 15 quarter credits will be granted for each A-Level exam with a passing grade. Up to 7.5 quarter credits will be granted for each AS-Level exam with a passing grade. No more than 45 quarter credits (one year) from all A-Level and AS-Level exams may be applied towards a UW degree. General elective credits in the subject area will be awarded unless the discipline's academic department has previously approved UW course equivalencies. General elective credits may be applied towards the Areas of Knowledge (general edcuation) graduation requirements. If UW equivalent courses are needed for a specific major, students will need to consult the academic department once they arrive on campus to have them evaluate the syllabus/content of the A-Level or AS-Level exam. No grades are posted for A-Level or AS-Level exams. Duplicate credit for the same subject taken on different exams like A-Level, AS-Level, AP, or IB will not be granted. Advanced credit policies are reviewed on a regular basis and are subject to change.
Washington State University
Washington State University encourages and applauds students who have pursued Cambridge GCE Advanced Level exams as part of their academic curriculum. These courses are challenging and demanding, and we believe they provide excellent preparation for university study. Students who have completed A-Level exams may qualify for college credit. In general, up to 8 semester credits will be granted for each Cambridge A-level exam with a passing grade of E (equivalent to US grade C) or above. WSU does not grant credit for AS-Level exams. WSU policy states that a maximum of 73 lower-level semester credits can be awarded from all types of test credit, military credit, and transfer credit. Direct equivalencies in the subject area, where possible, will be awarded. General elective credits or University Common Requirement (UCORE) credits may also be granted. No grades are posted on the WSU transcript for test credit, military credit, or transfer credit. Duplicate credit for the same subject taken on different exams will not be granted. Advanced credit policies are reviewed on a regular basis and are subject to change. Students must send an official score report or transcript to receive credit. More information on transfer credit for A-level exams can be found at the link below or by contacting WSU.
Western Washington University
Western Washington accepts students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels. WWU will grant 15 credits for approved A Level examinations and 7.5 credits for approved AS Level examinations with passing grades of A-E, subject to the 45 credit maximum. Credit will not be granted for both an A Level and an AS Level exam in the same subject area. For further information, click the link below.
Whitman College
Whitworth University
International applicants must submit external examination results that signify completion of your secondary school program and show that you are qualified for university study. Whitworth accepts a range of tests that are standard in applicants' native countries. Examples of such tests include: Cambridge Examinations (A Level, AS Level, O Level). For more information, visit Whitworth's website by the link below.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
International Baccalaureate offers an academically rigorous program that is designed to meet or exceed the entrance requirements of the most selective colleges and universities throughout the world. Many colleges and universities offer advanced standing or course credits to scholars with strong IB exam results. The IB program involves in-depth study in a broad range of subjects, and courses where instruction of international mindedness, critical thinking, writing ability, research skills, and revision skills are embedded. Course work is followed by a series of oral and written examinations.
Diploma programme
International Baccalaureate (IB) the MIddle Years Programme
The IB Middle Years Programme, for scholars aged 11 to 16, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages scholars to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers.
The program consists of eight subject groups integrated through global contexts that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects. Scholars are required to study their mother tongue, a second language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and design technology. In the final year of the program scholars also engage in a personal project, which allows them to demonstrate the understandings and skills they have developed.
For further information about the IB and its programs, visit the International Baccalaureate website.