AP, Advanced and dual credit in Frisco ISD
What each kind of challenging course is, how it counts in GPA, and what it costs, based on Frisco ISD's 2026-27 High School Academic Guide and College Board's 2026-27 fees.
Unofficial guide. Course availability depends on enrollment at each campus, and fees change each year. Always confirm with your school counselor.
At a glance
| Course type | GPA weight | Who can take it | College credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced | Tier II (up to 5.5) | Open to all students | No |
| AP | Tier III (up to 6.0) | Open to all students | Possible, from the AP exam score |
| Dual credit (Collin College) | Tier II through the Class of 2029; Tier III from the Class of 2030 | Must meet Collin admission rules and get counselor approval | Yes, from the course itself |
| IB (Frisco High School) | Tier III (up to 6.0) | By application; lottery if full | Possible, from IB exams |
Advanced courses
Advanced courses cover the same required content as on-level courses, with more depth and complexity. Frisco ISD notes they aren't simply more homework. They're open to any student who wants a challenge, and they can lead into AP courses.
Offered at Frisco ISD high schools: English I and II, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Art I and II, Spanish 3, French 3, Chinese 3, and GT Humanities I.
AP (Advanced Placement) courses
AP courses follow College Board's college-level framework. Students can take the AP exam in May, and a good score can earn college credit at most colleges, including every Texas public college. Selective colleges also look at AP coursework. All AP courses are open enrollment.
Suggested first AP courses
Frisco ISD suggests these for students trying AP for the first time: AP Seminar, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology and AP Computer Science Principles.
AP courses offered in Frisco ISD high schools
English Language, English Literature, US Government, US History, Human Geography, World History, European History, Macroeconomics, Psychology, Seminar, Research, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C (Mechanics; Electricity and Magnetism), Precalculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, French Language, Chinese Language, Art History, Music Theory, and Studio Art (2-D, 3-D, Drawing). Many have an online option through Frisco Flex.
AP exam fees (2026-27)
College Board's AP exam fee is $99 per exam, with a $40 late fee for exams ordered after the November 13, 2026 deadline. Your school's own deadline may be earlier. Frisco ISD offers a reduced cost for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Exams are in the first two weeks of May.
Dual credit (Collin College)
- Students earn high school and college credit at the same time.
- They must meet Collin College admission requirements and get their counselor's approval, and follow Frisco ISD's dual credit deadlines, which differ from Collin's.
- Families pay Collin tuition, books and fees. Scholarships for tuition and books are available for students who receive free or reduced-price lunch. Frisco ISD doesn't provide transportation to Collin campuses.
- A student who fails a dual credit course (0–69) can't continue in that same subject for dual credit.
- Core dual credit options include English composition and literature, US History, Government, Economics, College Algebra, Statistics, PreCalculus, Calculus, Biology, Sociology, Art Appreciation and Speech.
- Collin EDGE is a newer program for juniors and seniors: four semesters of project-based courses worth 44 college credit hours, covering the Texas Core Curriculum.
- The UNT NOW! dual credit program is ending: it isn't offered to new students from the Class of 2028 on.
Good to know
- Advanced, AP, IB and GT courses can be dropped only at the six-week mark or at the end of a semester.
- Students in AP, IB, dual credit and listed Advanced courses keep UIL eligibility for athletics, fine arts and academic competitions regardless of their grade in those courses.
- Gifted and talented students are served through GT Humanities (9th–10th), GT American Studies (11th) and GT AP Government (12th).
See how course levels change your GPA
In My GPA Planner, switch a course between on-level, Advanced and AP and watch your projected weighted GPA update. Your plan stays on your device.
Open the plannerOfficial sources
- Frisco ISD 2026-27 Course Catalog and High School Academic Guide (see "Advanced Academics" and "Dual Credit Programs")
- College Board: AP exam fees