Iowa Online AP Academy - Belin-Blank Center

Bright students are often ready for subject material beyond what is typical for their grade, but it is not always feasible for small or rural schools to offer advanced classes. The Iowa Online AP® Academy (IOAPA) provides free access to nearly 30 online advanced courses for Iowa students who do not have access to these courses in their schools.

About the Program

Do you have a middle school student ready for Algebra II or a high school student capable of tackling college-level English? IOAPA classes include Advanced Placement® courses for high school students and high school-level courses for eligible middle school students. IOAPA students are typically talented and gifted students from rural schools, but any eligible Iowa student may register.

The most important dates are listed below, but a helpful operational timeline is also available.

Spring 2023 Semester

Course Dates: January 9 – April 28, 2023
Enrollment Period: November 7 – December 16, 2022
Last day to drop without a fee: January 23, 2023

Fall 2023 Semester

Course Dates: August 28 – December 20, 2023
Enrollment Period: April 3 – August 11, 2023
Last day to drop without a fee: September 11, 2023

Spring 2024 Semester

Course Dates: January 8 – April 26, 2024
Enrollment Period: November 6 – December 15, 2023
Last day to drop without a fee: January 22, 2024

Schools are eligible to utilize a particular IOAPA course if they are unable to offer that course on-site. Courses are limited to six students per class at each school. For a full list of policies and requirements see our policy guide.

High school students should be able to handle the academic rigor of a college-level course, as well as the self-discipline and motivation necessary for an online course. Additionally, students should not be over-committed in their curricular and/or extracurricular activities. Review suggested prerequisites listed in the course catalog and use pre-tests for AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B, and AP Statistics.

Middle school students should be capable of handling coursework at the level of an average student two or three years older. They should also have or be capable of developing the self-discipline and motivation necessary for an online course. For more detailed information about determining the best fit, see our middle school recommendations guide.

Course Catalog

Algebra I (Honors) (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Algebra I is a comprehensive course that provides an in-depth exploration of key algebraic concepts.

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Algebra II (Honors) (Middle School Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Algebra II builds on the concepts covered in Algebra I and prepares students for advanced-level courses.

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Biology (Honors) (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Biology is an in-depth course that furthers mastery of scientific skills, fosters a deep understanding of key concepts, and promotes the application of the scientific method to biological topics.

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Computer Science Python Fundamentals (Grades 6-9 Only) (Full-Year)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Project STEM (formerly Edhesive)

An introductory course for students brand new to programming that teaches the foundations of computer science. This course prepares students for AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles. This course (formerly called Introduction to Computer Science) is now only available as a full-year course.

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Computer Science Python Fundamentals (Grades 6-9 Only) (One-Semester)

1-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Project STEM (formerly Edhesive)

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Creative Writing (Grades 6-8 Only)

1-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Creative Writing is an English elective course that focuses on the exploration of short fiction and poetry, culminating in a written portfolio that includes one revised short story and three to five polished poems.

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Environmental Science (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Environmental Science explores the biological, physical, and sociological principles related to the environment in which organisms live on Earth, the biosphere.

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Geometry (Honors) (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Geometry is a comprehensive course that provides an in-depth exploration of geometric concepts.

Learn more.

Physical Science (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Physical Science offers a focused curriculum to understand critical concepts, including the nature and structure of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the mastery of critical scientific skills.

Learn more.

Precalculus (Honors) (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Precalculus is a comprehensive course that weaves together previous study of algebra, geometry, and functions into a preparatory course for calculus. The course focuses on the mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses.

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Probability and Statistics (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Probability and Statistics provides a curriculum focused on understanding key data analysis and probabilistic concepts, calculations, and relevance to real-world applications. We recommend (but don't require) that students have access to a graphing calculator and have taken Algebra I before this class.

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Psychology (Grades 6-8 Only)

1-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Psychology provides a solid overview of the field's major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and variations in individual and group behavior.

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Spanish I (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

Students will become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a range of grammar patterns, and analyze and compare cultural practices of various Spanish-speaking countries.

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U.S. History since the Civil War (Grades 6-8 Only)

2-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

This course traces the nation's history from the end of the Civil War to the present and emphasizes the development of historical analysis skills.

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U.S. History to the Civil War (Grades 6-8 Only)

1-Semester Course
Middle School
Course Content Provided by Apex

This course traces the nation's history from the pre-colonial period to the end of the American Civil War, and emphasizes the development of historical analysis skills such as comparing and contrasting, considering multiple perspectives, and analyzing cause-and-effect relationships.

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AP Biology

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Biology builds students' understanding of biology on both the micro and macro scales.

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AP Calculus AB

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

In AP Calculus AB, students learn to understand change geometrically and visually, analytically, numerically, and verbally.

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AP Chemistry

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Chemistry builds students' understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter.

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AP Computer Science A (Java)

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Project STEM (formerly Edhesive)

Students will learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society, including art, media, and engineering. Due to College Board requirements, schools will not be able to list the same person as mentor (teacher of record) and AP coordinator for this course in the AP Course Audit. More information about this can be found in the mentor handbook.

Learn more.

AP Computer Science Principles

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Project STEM (formerly Edhesive)

AP Computer Science Principles asks students to explore the central ideas of computer science. More information about mentor involvement for this course can found here. Due to College Board requirements, schools will not be able to list the same person as mentor (teacher of record) and AP coordinator for this course in the AP Course Audit. More information about this can be found in the mentor handbook.

Learn more.

AP English Language and Composition

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

In AP English Language and Composition, students investigate rhetoric and its impact on culture through analysis of notable fiction and nonfiction texts, from pamphlets to speeches to personal essays.

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AP English Literature and Composition

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP English Literature and Composition immerses students in novels, plays, poems, and short stories from various periods.

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AP Environmental Science

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students perform hands-on and virtual labs and projects.

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AP French Language and Culture

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP French Language and Culture students acquire proficiencies that expand their cognitive, analytical and communicative skills through this immersion based course.

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AP Macroeconomics

1-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Macroeconomics students learn why and how the world economy can change from month to month, how to identify trends in our economy, and how to use those trends to develop performance measures and predictors of economic growth or decline.

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AP Microeconomics

1-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Microeconomics studies the behavior of individuals and businesses as they exchange goods and services in the marketplace.

Learn more.

AP Psychology

1-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Psychology provides an overview of current psychological research methods and theories.

Learn more.

AP Spanish

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Spanish Language students practice perfecting their Spanish speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Learn more.

AP Statistics

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP Statistics gives students hands-on experience collecting, analyzing, graphing, and interpreting real-world data.

Learn more.

AP U.S. Government

1-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

AP U.S. Government and Politics studies the operations and structure of the U.S. government and the behavior of the electorate and politicians.

Learn more.

AP U.S. History

2-Semester Course
High School
Course Content Provided by Apex

In AP U.S. History, students investigate the development of American economics, politics, and culture through historical analysis grounded in primary sources, research, and writing.

Learn more.

Being Successful

Taking advanced coursework is an exciting opportunity. Planning ahead and making an honest assessment of the amount of time you are prepared to spend on your IOAPA courses will help you be successful. Here are some resources that may help students, mentors, and schools have a more effective experience.

Middle School Recommendations
High School Recommendations
- Outcomes and Advice for IOAPA Success in High School Courses
Getting Started Guide
Mentor Handbook
Timeline

IOAPA blog posts

How to Register

Registration is a 4-step process:

1. Find eligible students.

If your students are 6th-8th graders, the first step is to find the students who are ready for additional challenge, and consider registering for I-Excel or ACT above-level testing. If your students are 9th-12th graders, continue to step 2. Additional recommendations for determining eligibility can be found in the mentor handbook.

2. Register your school with IOAPA and assign a site coordinator and mentor

The first step is for principals to register their schools on our website (below). As part of this step, schools agree to program requirements and assign a site coordinator and a mentor. Be sure to fill out and send in the Mentor Designation Form for this school year (also available in Appendix A of the Mentor Handbook). This form is what enables mentors to receive a stipend.

For spring semester courses, if a school has already registered during the current academic year: Schools that have already registered for the current academic year will be redirected to step 2 (student nomination).

3. Nominate the student taking IOAPA course(s)

Completing the school registration page sends the principal an automated email with a link in it to nominate the student. The principal either needs to complete the nomination or forward the link to the site coordinator or mentor to complete.

4. Confirm that the student has self-enrolled in the course

Once the student has been nominated, an email will be automatically sent to the student to enroll himself/herself in the actual course. Be sure to have students check their junk mail folders, as the automated emails sometimes get filtered there. Students should complete this step and be sure to click submit when they’re done.

Register Your School

After You've Registered

Once you have registered with the Iowa Online AP Academy, be sure to complete all of the College Board requirements, as well. Then, make sure you have all the materials you'll need and familiarize yourself with using the courses.

College Board Requirements for Schools

Register your school with the College Board.
Encourage high school students to take the AP exam, and order all AP Exams. For courses that begin before November 15, the deadline to order is November 15. For courses that begin after November 15, the deadline to order is March 15. Please note that these deadlines are different from previous years.
Complete the AP Course Audit process for Online/Distance Learning courses by January 31 in order to be able to label courses as "AP" on students' transcripts.