Academics

Advanced Learners and AP

At Saint Edward’s School, we believe meaningful challenge should begin early and grow with your child.

Advanced Learner opportunities across every grade level encourage students to think deeply, ask better questions, and stretch beyond what feels comfortable, while our Upper School Advanced Placement program provides the academic depth and momentum expected of one of Florida’s most rigorous college preparatory schools.

Here, academic excellence isn’t about racing ahead – it’s about developing confident, capable learners who are prepared to meet college and life with purpose.
 
 

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      Students in AP science test the properties of heat conduction

Advanced Learners

List of 5 items.

  • Accelerated Learners – All Divisions

    Occasionally, a student has reached an advanced level of achievement in a given subject beyond that which is typically offered at his/her current grade level. In these cases, the Division Head works together with the parents to provide an appropriate curriculum for the student.

    Sometimes the decision is to have the student attend class for a given subject at a higher grade level, whenever this can be accommodated in the student’s schedule. Sometimes a special class can be formed for several students with similar needs. Other times a student may take an independent study course with a faculty member.

    Guided by the School’s philosophy of nurturing the whole child—addressing physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs—each decision is thoughtfully tailored to meet the specific developmental and academic needs of students in each Division.

  • Academic Competitions – All Divisions

    Students participate in a variety of competitive opportunities regionally, statewide and nationally. Among them are the following:
     
    • National Merit Scholarship
    • Academic World Quest of the Palm Beaches
    • Fourth and Fifth National Current Events League
    • Continental Math League
    • Mu Alpha Theta Math Competitions
    • National Spanish Exam
    • Florida State Spanish Conference
    • Global Seal of Biliteracy
    • Indian River Lagoon Envirothon
    • Florida Envirothon 
    • HOSA
    • All-State Chorus
    • All-State Band
    • Solo and Ensemble for Choir 
    • Regional and State Science and Engineering Fairs
    • Scripps Howard Regional Bee
    • Four County Honor Band
    • Thespian State and District Competitions

  • Academic Honor Societies – Upper School

    The Cum Laude Society
    Membership in the Cum Laude Society is granted to those comprising the top percentage of the class. 
     
    Mu Alpha Theta
    Our Mu Alpha Theta is a chapter of the National Mu Alpha Theta Organization dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics among high school students. 

    National Art Honor Society
    NAHS honors art students with outstanding artistic ability, good character and a commitment to art. Our School's Chapter includes Visual Art students in good standing with at least two years of Upper School Visual Arts classes and/or approved at the sponsor’s discretion. Participating students get to compete in the following competitions: The Scholastic Art and Writing Competition, The National Art Honor Society's Online Exhibition, and Mike Haridopolos' Congressional Art Exhibit. 
     
    National Merit Scholarship Program
    Over the past thirty-six years, 79 Saint Edward’s students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists, and 117 have received the Commended Scholar designation. 

    Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica-Nuestra América Chapter
    Each year high achieving language students are inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, a national honor society that recognizes student high academic achievement in the study of the Spanish language. The society promotes interest in Hispanic cultures and service to the community.

    Tri-M Music Honor Society
    The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which focuses on creating future leaders in music education and music advocacy. Tri-M also provides students with leadership opportunities to make a difference in their community through music-based service projects.

    International Thespian Society
    The International Thespian Society is the only theatre honor society for middle and high school students in the United States. ITS recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school.
     

  • Advanced Studies Program (ASP) – Upper School

    The Advanced Studies Program (ASP) offers highly motivated and intellectually curious students the opportunity to pursue independent research alongside a rigorous schedule of honors and AP courses.

    Students apply in the Spring Term of their junior year and are selected based on standardized test scores (top 10%), GPA (3.5 or higher), recommendations from the college counseling department, and a personal essay.

    ASP projects require a formal presentation in the fall of senior year before a panel of faculty and outside consultants. Projects must demonstrate substantial academic research. If the panel identifies any deficiencies in research, presentation, or documentation, students must address them and schedule a follow-up review to earn the Advanced Studies distinction at graduation.

    All participating colleges are notified of student involvement in the ASP, and students earn 0.5 honors credit for completing their project.

  • Independent Study Program – Upper School

    In special cases, students may pursue an independent course of study not offered in the current curriculum. Designed to complement a student’s regular coursework, this additional course allows students to explore a topic in depth with the guidance of a faculty advisor. The advisor helps define objectives, oversees progress, and evaluates the final project.

    Students interested in independent study should consult with their academic counselor during spring scheduling of the prior year. A successful project requires careful planning and commitment.

    After an initial discussion, the student and advisor submit a detailed proposal—including scope, timeline, and evaluation method—to the Independent Study Committee, which includes the Director of College Counseling, Academic Dean, and relevant Department Chair.

Advanced Placement Courses for Upper School Students

Saint Edward’s Advanced Placement program offers motivated students the opportunity to engage in rigorous, college-level coursework while in high school. With a wide range of College Board–approved AP courses, students can deepen their academic interests, prepare for the demands of college, and potentially earn college credit.

Enrollment in AP courses is typically based on teacher recommendation; however, students may also enroll without a recommendation by signing an acknowledgment with their parents affirming their understanding of the program’s rigor and expectations. With guidance from college advisors, students select an appropriate and balanced AP course load.

AP exams are scored on a scale of 1–5, and many colleges award credit or advanced standing for scores of 3 or higher. For specific credit policies, families should consult individual college websites.

List of 3 items.

  • 28

    AP Classes to choose from

  • 95%

    of students pass the AP exam

  • 75%

    of Upper School students take AP courses

AP Courses Offered

List of 28 items.

  • 2D Art & Design

  • 3D Art & Design

  • Art History

  • Biology

  • Calculus AB

  • Calculus BC

  • Chemistry

  • Computer Science Principles

  • Drawing

  • English Language and Composition

  • English Literature and Composition

  • Environmental Science

  • European History

  • Human Geography

  • Macroeconomics

  • Microeconomics

  • Music Theory

  • Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

  • Physics C: Mechanics

  • Physics I

  • Physics II

  • Precalculus

  • Psychology

  • Spanish Language and Culture

  • Spanish Literature and Culture

  • Statistics

  • U.S. Government and Politics

  • U.S. History

Saint Edward's School

1895 Saint Edward's Drive
Vero Beach, Florida 32963
772.231.4136
Non-Discrimination Statement

Saint Edward's School admits students of any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity,  disability, national or ethnic origin, or marital status to all rights, priveleges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School, and does not discriminate on these bases – including traits associated with race such as protective hairstyles – in the administration of its admissions, educational, financial aid, or other School programs, in accordance with IRS regulations and Florida Statute §1002.421.
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