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. Any eligible Iowa student may register.
The most important dates are listed below, but a helpful operational timeline is also available.
Spring 2026 Semester
- Course Dates: January 5 – April 23, 2026
- Enrollment Period: November 3 –
December 12, 2025 closed early due to high demand
- Deadline to drop without a fee: January 16, 2026 at noon Central Time
Fall 2026 Semester
- Course Dates: Wednesday, August 26 - Friday, December 18, 2026
- Enrollment Period: Late April - Monday, August 17, 5 PM Central Time
- Deadline to drop without a fee: September 8, 2026 at noon Central Time
Schools are eligible to utilize a particular IOAPA course if they are unable to offer that course on-site. Courses are limited to 8 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.
Policies & Guidelines
These resources can help students, mentors, and schools have a more effective experience.
Course Catalog
Cloud Technologies and the Internet of Things (Grades 6-10 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
The online cloud technologies course will examine the trends and opportunities surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will learn about the technologies, hardware, and software that underpin the Internet of Things. The course will examine a variety of end-market applications in our homes, businesses and cities. Finally, students will learn about the many career opportunities that the Internet of Things will enable.
Materials
None
Computer Science Python Fundamentals (Grades 6-9 Only) (Full-Year)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Project STEM
An introductory course for students brand new to programming and computer science. Learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science using two key tools: the Project STEM programming environment and EarSketch, a software package that turns your code into music. Not only will this course prepare students for continuing their studies in computer science, but it will also teach them how to think like a scientist and solve real-world problems, skills that are important to every 21st-century citizen. No prerequisites, although students should have basic familiarity with how to operate a computer and use applications. It's also recommended that students be familiar with basic algebra principles before starting this course.
Computer Science Python Fundamentals (Grades 6-9 Only) (One-Semester)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Project STEM
An introductory course for students brand new to programming and computer science. Learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science using two key tools: the Project STEM programming environment and EarSketch, a software package that turns your code into music. Not only will this course prepare students for continuing their studies in computer science, but it will also teach them how to think like a scientist and solve real-world problems, skills that are important to every 21st-century citizen. No prerequisites, although students should have basic familiarity with how to operate a computer and use applications. It's also recommended that students be familiar with basic algebra principles before starting this course.
Creative Writing (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
The course begins with considering the importance of word play exercises in improving their facility with language while building a compelling and creative writing style. Focusing on word nuances and precision, later lessons guide students to write in a variety of short modes—including poetry, song lyrics, prose poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction. There are several opportunities for peer review in this semester, during which students learn best practices for participating in writing workshops, and then revise their work using feedback from their peers.
Creative Writing focuses on longer works of fiction: short stories, plays, and novels. Students learn basic techniques of plot and character development along with strategies for creating suspense and building a theme, and they have opportunities to write in several different genres. Lessons cover a few special topics as well, including graphic novels, animation, comedy, and improvisation.
Materials
basic art supplies
digital camera, camera phone, or scanner
Earth Science (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
The Earth Science course will explore the dynamic systems of Earth and Space to help students understand how Earth’s systems have developed through time, how they are interrelated, and how humans impact them. Students will investigate the universe and its stars, the planets of the Solar System, and the systems that make up Earth. Students will examine the role of water on our planet and sun-driven interactions affecting climate and weather. They will also model biogeochemical cycles and energy flow through Earth’s systems. These course assignments are designed to explicitly engage students’ Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations (PEs). Also, students will apply Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to construct an understanding of Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) through the lens of Crosscutting Concepts (CCs) to explain a phenomenon. Students will explore how Earth’s surface changes through plate tectonics and geological processes. By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the different systems on Earth, how they affect each other, and how the Earth is changing due to human activity.
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/233769269/course
Honors Algebra 1 (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Students begin Algebra 1 with a review of the basic tools of algebra, including properties of operations, combining like terms, and solving simple equations and inequalities. More complex concepts are built on these basics. Students learn about linear models, linear inequalities, statistics, linear functions, transformations, sequences, and systems of linear equations. The course also includes lessons on linear inequalities. As the course progresses, students focus on exponential and quadratic functions. They will learn how to read, write and graph these function types. They will also learn where they can find exponential and quadratic functions in their own worlds. In this semester, special attention is given to making meaningful comparisons of linear, exponential and quadratic growth. Students also spend time learning about geometric sequences, polynomials, factoring, radical equations, piece-wise defined functions, as well as rational expressions and equations. The course concludes with a comprehensive review of the course. In this course, students will do in-depth study, problem-solving, and application of algebraic concepts.
Materials
Graph paper
A graphing calculator. Gcalc is a free download if you do not have a hand-held.
Honors Algebra 2 (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In this course, students will do in-depth study, problem-solving, and application of algebraic concepts.
Honors Algebra 2 further extends the learner’s understanding of major algebra concepts such as expressions, equations, functions, and inequalities. An emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate functions to model real-world situations and solve problems that arise from those situations. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph.
Honors Algebra 2 builds on the concepts learned in the first semester and prepares the learners with the building blocks needed to dive deeper into trigonometry, pre-calculus, and advanced probability and statistics.
Materials
A graphing calculator. Gcalc is a free download if you do not have a hand-held.
Honors American Government (Grades 7-11 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
American Government Honors provides the student with the basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of the United States government and the principles that guide our democracy. The student examines the United States Constitution to answer questions and determine the facts of government. The course focuses on the functions and duties of the three branches of government, which are the legislative, executive, and judicial. Special attention is given to political participation, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and government systems of the world.
American Government Honors references the view of political institutions to explore the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of the organizations and management of governing to develop their own views on current political issues. Then, the students are taught how to apply what they have learned into civic action. The course looks closely at the political knowledge and values of the country as it gives students a look into the problems faced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It also covers the roles of political parties, interest groups, and the media in shaping the government.
Materials
None
Honors American History (Grades 7-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course covers the discovery, development, and growth of the United States. Major topics include; American Indian cultures, European colonization of the Americas, and the causes and effects of the American Revolution. Geographical, economic, and political factors are explores as the key factors in the growth of the United States of America. American History is a survey of the struggle to build the United States of America from the colonial period to the beginning of the twentieth century.
This course covers American life before the 1929 Stock Market crash and how the Roaring Twenties influenced society in the late 19th through early 20th centuries. Students will examine the causes and consequences of the Great Depression and move on into a detailed study of World War II with an emphasis on America’s role in the conflict. The course continues with an analysis of the Cold War struggle and America’s rise as a superpower. The Civil Rights and Women’s rights movements, pollution and the environment, and American domestic and foreign policy will be examined. The course wraps up with a summary of current events and issues, including a study of the Middle East.
Materials
None
Honors Biology (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Honors Biology begins on focusing on the life of the cell, dealing with issues of structure, transport, genetics, protein synthesis, energy production, and usage. The aim of this course is to guide the student to see the world in biological terms and then to expand their vision to contemplate current topics in biological research and application. Students explore population dynamics through the study of mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. The theory of evolution is presented, along with the many evidences and details that make evolution the backbone of modern biology. From biochemistry to evolution, biology fascinates people. Biochemists first astounded the world by showing that life obeys the same chemical principles as all creation, but that life engineers chemistry to its own needs.
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/237458020/course
Honors Economics (Grades 8-10 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Economics Honors provides the student with basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of the United States economy and the economic principles that guide our democracy. Students demonstrate problem solving and their understanding of the processes for economic reasoning by applying economic principles to decisions they make as consumers, workers, and members of local and larger societies. This, in turn, enables the student to understand the issues and public policies that affect economic, political, and cultural systems. The course focuses on the functions and duties of the three branches of government, which are the legislative, executive, and judicial, as they relate to the economy. Special attention is given to the role of the Federal Reserve System in administering the United States economy.
Materials
None
Honors Geometry (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In honors Geometry, students build foundational knowledge in geometric notation, tools, and definitions. They apply these concepts through constructions and transformations. Students then study logic, where they identify statement types, evaluate and order statements, to develop skills for constructing formal proofs. Initial proofs focus on angle relationships and triangle properties, then expand to congruence and similarity. Students are introduced to the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios, as well as their applications in problem-solving. The course continues to emphasize deductive and indirect reasoning as students write proofs relating to quadrilaterals and conics. This work is scaffolded using interactive videos. Students also apply geometric thinking to real-world problems through geometric transformations, and the algebraic and graphical representation of those transformations. Students endeavor to deepen their understanding of measurement by calculating area, surface area, and volume for a wide range of two- and three-dimensional figures.
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/253901340/course
Honors Physics (Grades 6-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In this course, students apply their understanding of physics by playing roles like science museum curator and elementary teacher; this course continues the student’s exploration of mechanics. Students will simple harmonic motion, wave properties, and optics. Students will then learn the basics of thermodynamics and fluids. Afterwards, the students explore the principles of electricity and magnetism. Finally, students explore the area of physics known as Modern Physics, which includes topics such as the photoelectric effect, nuclear science, and relativity. This is a trig based course. It is assumed students know and can use trigonometry. PREREQUISITES: Algebra I and Geometry
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/233768222/course
Honors World Geography and Cultures (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
The student will be taught to use the basic skills of map reading and development, geographic technology, and the recognition of geographic themes to make sense of the world. The course examines world regions including the nations, people, and cultures of the Americas and Western Europe. The course teaches the basic skills of map reading and development, the use of geographic technology, and the recognition of geographic themes. The focus examines the world regions, including the nations, people, and cultures of Central Europe and Northern Eurasia, Central and Southwest Asia, South Asia, Africa, East Asia, and the Pacific.
Materials
None
Honors World History (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Honors World History begins with a focus on the skills needed to read, understand, and analyze history, also demonstrating how historians and social scientists arrive at their conclusions about human history. The first part of the course covers the history of civilization from hunter-gatherer societies through the characteristics of the earliest civilizations to the Enlightenment period in Western Europe. Then, the course will explore early intellectual, spiritual, and political movements and their impact on interactions among world cultures.
World History emphasizes the effects of the Industrial Revolution and changing attitudes about science and religion as well as the impact of European colonization. Students are encouraged to make connections between World War I and II and events related to the Cold War and between 19th-century imperialism and modern independence movements.
Materials
None
Intro to Artificial Intelligence (Grades 6-10 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course teaches what every student should know about Artificial Intelligence. AI is a fast-moving technology with impacts and implications for both our individual lives and society as a whole. In this course, students will get a basic introduction to the building blocks and components of artificial intelligence, learning about concepts like algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks. Students will also explore how AI is already being used, and evaluate problem areas of AI, such as bias. The course also contains a balanced look at AI’s impact on existing jobs, as well as its potential to create new and exciting career fields in the future. Students will leave the course with a solid understanding of what AI is, how it works, areas of caution, and what they can do with the technology.
Materials
None
Language Arts 10 (Honors) (Grades 6-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In Language Arts 10, students learn how to express their thoughts and feelings in writing. Emphasis is placed on the specific traits of the 6- Traits of Writing: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions. Students also review the 5-step writing process as they practice the skills of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Each unit also includes instruction in the Greek roots of common English words. Students are guided through the 5-step writing process for each of the major types of writing: expository, persuasive, expressive, research, and functional. The writing projects center on each of the five major types. Students will receive comprehensive instruction on the various structures and styles of writing. Students are expected to produce original high quality examples of each of the major types of writing. Writing samples are graded against the 6-Traits of Writing. Students will broaden their reading experience with exposure to literature from around the world. Students are given vast exposure to a variety of reading samples, and are encouraged to connect and relate to the various authors and cultures within the contexts of the passages and works Reading strategies, the literary elements, and new vocabulary and Latin roots are introduced. In addition, students are guided through an active reading process in preparation to prepare them for high-stakes testing which will assess their abilities to make inferences, comprehend, and analyze a variety of reading materials.
Materials
Required Novels
https://accelerate.education/catalog9_12/language-arts/ae_honorslanguagearts10/
Language Arts 9 (Honors) (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Language Arts 9 Honors is an integrated curriculum with challenging assignments aimed at preparing Honors-level students for advanced work in the study of literature and language arts. Each unit contains thematically related lessons in five domains: reading and the study of literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language study, which includes word knowledge and grammar skills. Writing and informational text lessons guide students through the stages of research and demonstrate how to evaluate, integrate, and share the information gathered during research. Students are required to share their ideas and analysis using several different modes, including oral and multimedia presentations.
Materials
None
Marine Science (Grades 6-8 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In this course, students will discover the vast network of life that exists beneath the ocean’s surface and study the impact that humans have on the oceans.
Materials
None
Media & Communication (Grades 6-8 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
From banner ads to billboards, newspaper articles, and Facebook feeds, people are constantly sharing ideas. This course looks at the many facets of mass media. Students will learn how the media shapes every aspect of our lives. Students examine the role of newspapers, books, magazines, radio, movies, television, and the growing influence of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
Materials
None
Paleontology (Grades 6-8 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In this course, students will learn about the fascinating creatures, both large and small, that roamed the earth before modern man. Watch interesting videos from experts at The Royal Tyrrell Museum, a leading paleontology research facility, and discover how the field of paleontology continues to provide amazing insight into early life on earth.
Materials
None
Physical Science (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This is an introduction to the physical sciences and scientific methodology. The objectives are to impart a basic knowledge of the physical properties and chemistry of matter. Skills are developed in the classroom and reinforced through homework reading and interesting labs that relate to everyday life. This is an introduction to the physical sciences and scientific methodology. The objectives are to impart a basic knowledge of the physical properties and chemistry of matter. Skills are developed in the classroom and reinforced through homework reading and interesting labs that relate to everyday life.
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/233896083/course
Pre-Calculus (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Pre-Calculus covers foundational concepts students need for advanced study in mathematics. This part of the course focuses on right-triangle trigonometry, the unit circle, and the behavior of trigonometric functions. Students learn to graph functions accurately, analyze transformations, and apply fundamental identities and equations to solve problems. Students will extend their understanding of functions and apply them across a broad range of precalculus topics, including conic sections, parametric equations, polynomial and rational functions, complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates, and some statistical ideas. Students learn how these tools describe motion, growth, rotation, and real-world patterns, selecting appropriate functions to model meaningful situations and solve applied problems. Graphing is an important focus, as students identify key features, compare representations, and connect algebraic expressions to geometric behaviors.
Materials
Protractor
Compass
Graphing calculator or online graphing utility
Ruler
Graph paper
Psychology (Grades 6-8 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In Psychology, the student begins with a brief history of psychologists and their experimental methods. Next they examine personality theories. Then human development from the infant stage through adult stage is explored. Finally, the last part of the course is about consciousness: sleep, dreams, and conscious-altering substances. Students are encouraged to increase their own self-awareness as they move through the course. Students continue to learn about psychology. Students examine the nature of intelligence in humans and animals, including the origin of intelligence and how to measure it. They learn about learning with an emphasis on classical and operant conditioning. Students also investigate social psychology and psychological disorders.
Materials
None
Space Exploration (Grades 6-8 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
From the history of rockets to the potential explorations of humans beyond Earth, this course introduces students to space exploration. Students will study the history of space flight from manned and unmanned flights and what it means to launch, explore, and land using spacecraft.
Materials
None
Spanish 1 (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Spanish 1 is designed to develop an authentic and practical understanding of the Spanish language and culture. Students will have the ability to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in the target language within basic, real-life situations and learning scenarios. All new concepts, grammatical concepts, and cultural information will be introduced in context while incorporating various listening, speaking, and writing activities.
Materials
None
Spanish 2 (Grades 6-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Students build upon the foundation developed in Spanish 1. They continue to build vocabulary, learn new verb tenses and other grammar concepts, and they increase their ability to communicate with others. They learn new concepts, like reflexive verbs, infinitive expressions, commands, and the imperfect tense. Semester B will continue building on vocabulary, grammar concepts, and communicating effectively in the target language. Students will explore new countries where Spanish is spoken and continue to keep abreast of current events in the Spanish-speaking world.
Materials
None
Spanish 3 (Grades 6-11 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Spanish 3 strengthens intermediate-level communication skills by exposing students to a variety of culturally focused readings, dialogues, videos, and listening selections. Students develop greater confidence in expressing ideas across familiar themes using present, past, and future time frames.
Learners work with authentic materials to identify main ideas, interpret details, and understand cultural perspectives. They produce short, organized spoken and written passages and continue expanding their vocabulary and grammatical control. The course follows ACTFL guidelines as students compare cultural practices with their own.
Materials
Basic school supplies
Access to authentic audio, video, and text sources
Audio/video recording tools
AP Biology
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP Biology is a very challenging and time-intensive course designed for students who are interested in pursuing science in college and/or as a career. It provides students with an opportunity to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology, emphasizing applications of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.
This course is designed to prepare students to be successful on the AP Biology exam. AP exam scores can earn the student college credit for the course. Because the AP Biology exam requires students to hand draw graphs—students are required to use: online graphing tools, spreadsheet graphing tools (ie. Excel), AND hand drawn graphs to illustrate data.
Materials List
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/237457904/course
AP Calculus AB
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This High School AP Calculus course is designed with the intent for students to incorporate the concepts of all previous math courses and expand upon these concepts with the implementation of limits. Emphasis is placed upon the multi-representational approach to calculus where problems and their solutions are explored and interpreted graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Students will also be required to explain their answers in written form and will be asked to compare their written response to the AP grading rubric and explain why they feel they should receive that grade. Students are required to use graphing calculators with the capabilities ascribed by the College Board: (apcentral.collegeboard.com).
Materials
Graphing Calculator
Digital: Calculus, Volume 1 from OpenStax (Will be provided as a downloadable .pdf once in the course)
ISBN-10: 1-947172-13-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-13-5
Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Premium Prep, 2024
ISBN-10: 0593516737
ISBN-13: 978-0593516737
AP Chemistry
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP Chemistry is taught at the college level and is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination and to score high enough to earn college credit in those colleges that recognize the examination. College level textbooks are used. The course will cover all of the topics in the AP Chemistry course description. These include an introduction to chemistry as the study of change, gases, thermochemistry, quantum theory, chemical bonding, crystals, phase changes, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, entropy, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, metallurgy, alkali and alkaline metals, nonmetallic metals, transition metals, organic chemistry, and synthetic and natural organic polymers.
Materials
Chemistry, Jason Overby. 15th Edition, ©2025 (Digital)
ISBN-10: 1265353077
ISBN-13: 978-1265353070
Princeton Review AP Chemistry Premium Prep, 2025
ISBN-10: 0593517601
ISBN-13: 978-0593517604
Advanced Microchem Kit (AP Chemistry Lab Kit by Quality Science Labs)
AP Computer Science A (Java)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Project STEM
This curriculum was designed to awaken and support students’ problem-solving skills. It will introduce the Java programming language while emphasizing universal language techniques like syntax, semantics and readability. Gain mastery in programming concepts by using a subset of Java features that are required for the AP Computer Science A exam, including abstraction, algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming. This allows students to understand and master important concepts that will apply to programming problems in many additional languages. Computer science courses offered by Project STEM are a guided curriculum only and do not have a separate course instructor. For these courses, the mentor does not have to be a subject area expert but is still the teacher of record. Students can get content help seven days a week from Project STEM’s academic forum. This course is fully auto-graded online. 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 IOAPA mentor handbook.
AP Computer Science Principles
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Project STEM
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing curriculum that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. Incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Learn how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. Computer science courses offered by Project STEM are a guided curriculum only and do not have a separate course instructor. For these courses, the mentor does not have to be a subject area expert but is still the teacher of record. Students can get content help seven days a week from Project STEM’s academic forum. AP Computer Science Principles mentors are responsible for guiding students and grading students’ exploratory unit projects. Rubrics are provided. 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 IOAPA Mentor Handbook.
AP English Language & Composition
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course helps students prepare to take the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam ™ administered by the College Board. The course covers concepts and skills needed to analyze argumentative texts and to build solid arguments—starting with the choices that experienced authors make when they write to persuade an audience. Students learn and apply best practices for constructing, revising, and refining their own arguments. Writing assignments include rhetorical analyses of straightforward written arguments as well as satirical texts and visual approaches to persuasion.
This course focuses on writing tasks that require synthesis and documentation. Students will analyze many examples of synthesis essays and apply what they learn as they create their own texts based on multiple sources. They will also take a closer look at the use of visual and multi-modal or multimedia evidence when used as support for an argument, and they’ll consider how to incorporate these unique approaches into their own attempts at persuasion.
Materials
Everything’s an Argument, with Readings (9th Edition)
ISBN: 9781319413248
Princeton Review AP English Language & Composition Premium Prep 2024
ISBN-13: 978-0593517611
AP English Literature
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP English Literature and Composition is designed to challenge students to read and interpret a wide range of literary works. This course allows students to explore a variety of genres and literary periods and to write clearly about the literature that they encounter. The student will be well prepared for the AP examination and will have acquired analytical skills that will be used throughout life. The first semester of this course focuses on the elements of fiction. The student will spend a considerable amount of time reading and analyzing a variety of short stories and novels. The student will evaluate how the elements of plot analysis, characterization, theme, point of view, symbolism, allegory, irony, and humor work together to create a story or novel that is worthy of literary acclaim. In addition to reading, the student will complete a wide variety of writing pieces in order to develop better writing skills in the following areas: narrative, exploratory, expository, and argumentative.
Materials
Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense 13th Edition, 2017 – Greg Johnson, Thomas Arp
ISBN-13: 978-1305971035
ISBN-10: 1305971035
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Students are required to read this novel before the start of the course.
Princeton Review AP English Literature & Composition Prep, 2024
ISBN-10: 0593517113
ISBN-13: 978-0593517116
AP Physics 1
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP Physics 1 is a rigorous course divided into two semesters. This course focuses on kinematics, Newton’s law of motion, forces, work, energy, power, and momentum. The course covers torque, inertia, angular momentum, oscillations, and fluids. Students gain knowledge, skills, and understanding of key physics principles, as well as gain preparation for taking the AP Physics 1 Exam.
Materials
Graphing Calculator
Digital Textbook: College Physics 2e for AP Courses by OpenStax (embedded in the course, no need to download)
ISBN-13: 978-1-951693-61-9
Princeton Review AP Physics 1 Premium Prep, 2025
ISBN-10: 0593517695
ISBN-13: 978-0593517697
Advanced Physics Lab Kit (Must be purchased for this course)
https://qualitysciencelabs.com/products/advanced-physics-kit-for-accelerate-education
AP Psychology
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course will be utilized for students wishing to take the AP Psychology exam. The course begins with an introduction to the origins of psychology to strengthen students’ scientific foundations that other modules will build upon. The first module also includes an introduction to AP courses. The semester then focuses on biology with an emphasis on the brain. With having a strong grasp of neuropsychology, students will then expand their knowledge to learning about cognitive and developmental psychology.
Materials
EBook: Myers’ Psychology for the AP® Course | Fourth Edition |©2024
David G. Myers; C. Nathan DeWall; Elizabeth Yost Hammer
ISBN:9781319471453
Princeton Review AP Psychology Premium Prep, 2025
ISBN-10: 0593517725
ISBN-13: 978-0593517727
AP Spanish Language
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP Spanish students engage extensively with authentic, college-level materials such as podcasts, news reports, interviews, essays, and literary excepts from the Spanish-speaking world. The semester develops advanced interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills while reinforcing cultural awareness.
Learners analyze and compare diverse perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and express ideas clearly in both spoken and written Spanish. Activities require students to communicate in various time frames and respond to real-world communicative tasks aligned with AP expectations. The course emphasizes advanced analysis, cultural comparison, and careful synthesis of information from multiple sources – skills essential for the AP Exam. Students refine pronunciation and fluency through module-end speaking checks, and they complete structured writing and listening tasks at the AP level.
Materials
Basic school supplies
Access to authentic audio, video, and text sources
Audio/video recording tools
AP Statistics
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP Statistics introduces students to the essential building blocks of statistical thinking and prepares them for the rigorous analysis required on the AP Statistics exam. Students begin by exploring categorical and quantitative variables, developing the ability to describe, compare, and interpret data distributions. Students then move into linear regression, where they learn to model relationships between variables and evaluate the model’s strength and limitations. Throughout the semester, focus is placed on asking good questions and collecting data, which includes study and experimental design, sampling methods, and identifying potential sources of bias. Build a strong conceptual and mathematical understanding of probability and probability distributions. Students deepen their analytical skills as they learn to draw conclusions about populations using sample data. Students begin with sampling distributions to understand why statistical inference works. Students then move into procedures for one- and two-population proportion hypothesis tests, followed by learning to test one- and two-population means. Throughout the semester, students apply these techniques to real-world problems, interpret results with precision, and communicate statistical reasoning clearly. The course concludes with dedicated AP Test preparation with targeted refinement to ensure students are confident and fully prepared to sit for the AP Statistics exam. PREREQUISITE: Algebra 2.
Materials
Basic school supplies
Graphing calculator (online or TI-84)
Stats: Modeling the World, 6th edition Author(s): David Bock, Floyd Bullard, Paul Velleman, Richard De Veaux
ISBN-13 : 9780137685431
Princeton Review AP Statistics Prep (2024)
ISBN-10: 0593516850
ISBN-13: 978-0593516850
AP United States Government and Politics
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course examines the U.S. political system. Students in this course will discuss political ideology, the development of the political system, and democratic institutions. Students should, according to the College Board, gain an “analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.” Furthermore, students will study “both the general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples” throughout history. The class discussion will require that students acquire a “familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics.” The main emphasis of the course, however, is to be able to apply a basic comprehension of the U.S. political system to contemporary events.
Materials
American Democracy Now, AP 7th Edition ©2022
ISBN-13: 9781264319138
ISBN-10: 1264319134
Princeton Review AP U.S. Government & Politics Premium Prep, 2024
ISBN-10: 0593517253
ISBN-13: 978-0593517253
AP United States History
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
AP United States History is an intensive, full-year course divided into two semesters. The course focuses on exploring and analyzing American historical events, individuals, and cultural trends. Students will be prepared with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States History. This first semester course covers the time frame of 1492 to 1877, and the second semester course covers the time frame 1878 to present.
This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam in United States History that is administered by the College Board Educational Testing Center.
Materials
The American Pageant, by David M. Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, 17th Edition, ©2020, eText
ISBN-13: 9780357504765
Princeton Review AP U.S. History Premium Prep, 2024
ISBN-10: 0593517296
ISBN-13: 978-0593517291
Cloud Technologies and the Internet of Things (Grades 6-10 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
The online cloud technologies course will examine the trends and opportunities surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will learn about the technologies, hardware, and software that underpin the Internet of Things. The course will examine a variety of end-market applications in our homes, businesses and cities. Finally, students will learn about the many career opportunities that the Internet of Things will enable.
Materials
None
Computer Science Python Fundamentals (Grades 6-9 Only) (Full-Year)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Project STEM
An introductory course for students brand new to programming and computer science. Learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science using two key tools: the Project STEM programming environment and EarSketch, a software package that turns your code into music. Not only will this course prepare students for continuing their studies in computer science, but it will also teach them how to think like a scientist and solve real-world problems, skills that are important to every 21st-century citizen. No prerequisites, although students should have basic familiarity with how to operate a computer and use applications. It's also recommended that students be familiar with basic algebra principles before starting this course.
Computer Science Python Fundamentals (Grades 6-9 Only) (One-Semester)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Project STEM
An introductory course for students brand new to programming and computer science. Learn problem-solving strategies, software design, and the foundations of computer science using two key tools: the Project STEM programming environment and EarSketch, a software package that turns your code into music. Not only will this course prepare students for continuing their studies in computer science, but it will also teach them how to think like a scientist and solve real-world problems, skills that are important to every 21st-century citizen. No prerequisites, although students should have basic familiarity with how to operate a computer and use applications. It's also recommended that students be familiar with basic algebra principles before starting this course.
Honors Algebra 2 (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In this course, students will do in-depth study, problem-solving, and application of algebraic concepts.
Honors Algebra 2 further extends the learner’s understanding of major algebra concepts such as expressions, equations, functions, and inequalities. An emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate functions to model real-world situations and solve problems that arise from those situations. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph.
Honors Algebra 2 builds on the concepts learned in the first semester and prepares the learners with the building blocks needed to dive deeper into trigonometry, pre-calculus, and advanced probability and statistics.
Materials
A graphing calculator. Gcalc is a free download if you do not have a hand-held.
Honors American Government (Grades 7-11 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
American Government Honors provides the student with the basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of the United States government and the principles that guide our democracy. The student examines the United States Constitution to answer questions and determine the facts of government. The course focuses on the functions and duties of the three branches of government, which are the legislative, executive, and judicial. Special attention is given to political participation, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and government systems of the world.
American Government Honors references the view of political institutions to explore the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of the organizations and management of governing to develop their own views on current political issues. Then, the students are taught how to apply what they have learned into civic action. The course looks closely at the political knowledge and values of the country as it gives students a look into the problems faced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It also covers the roles of political parties, interest groups, and the media in shaping the government.
Materials
None
Honors American History (Grades 7-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course covers the discovery, development, and growth of the United States. Major topics include; American Indian cultures, European colonization of the Americas, and the causes and effects of the American Revolution. Geographical, economic, and political factors are explores as the key factors in the growth of the United States of America. American History is a survey of the struggle to build the United States of America from the colonial period to the beginning of the twentieth century.
This course covers American life before the 1929 Stock Market crash and how the Roaring Twenties influenced society in the late 19th through early 20th centuries. Students will examine the causes and consequences of the Great Depression and move on into a detailed study of World War II with an emphasis on America’s role in the conflict. The course continues with an analysis of the Cold War struggle and America’s rise as a superpower. The Civil Rights and Women’s rights movements, pollution and the environment, and American domestic and foreign policy will be examined. The course wraps up with a summary of current events and issues, including a study of the Middle East.
Materials
None
Honors Economics (Grades 8-10 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Economics Honors provides the student with basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of the United States economy and the economic principles that guide our democracy. Students demonstrate problem solving and their understanding of the processes for economic reasoning by applying economic principles to decisions they make as consumers, workers, and members of local and larger societies. This, in turn, enables the student to understand the issues and public policies that affect economic, political, and cultural systems. The course focuses on the functions and duties of the three branches of government, which are the legislative, executive, and judicial, as they relate to the economy. Special attention is given to the role of the Federal Reserve System in administering the United States economy.
Materials
None
Honors Geometry (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In honors Geometry, students build foundational knowledge in geometric notation, tools, and definitions. They apply these concepts through constructions and transformations. Students then study logic, where they identify statement types, evaluate and order statements, to develop skills for constructing formal proofs. Initial proofs focus on angle relationships and triangle properties, then expand to congruence and similarity. Students are introduced to the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios, as well as their applications in problem-solving. The course continues to emphasize deductive and indirect reasoning as students write proofs relating to quadrilaterals and conics. This work is scaffolded using interactive videos. Students also apply geometric thinking to real-world problems through geometric transformations, and the algebraic and graphical representation of those transformations. Students endeavor to deepen their understanding of measurement by calculating area, surface area, and volume for a wide range of two- and three-dimensional figures.
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/253901340/course
Honors Physics (Grades 6-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In this course, students apply their understanding of physics by playing roles like science museum curator and elementary teacher; this course continues the student’s exploration of mechanics. Students will simple harmonic motion, wave properties, and optics. Students will then learn the basics of thermodynamics and fluids. Afterwards, the students explore the principles of electricity and magnetism. Finally, students explore the area of physics known as Modern Physics, which includes topics such as the photoelectric effect, nuclear science, and relativity. This is a trig based course. It is assumed students know and can use trigonometry. PREREQUISITES: Algebra I and Geometry
Materials
https://ideal.accelerate-ed.com/materials/233768222/course
Intro to Artificial Intelligence (Grades 6-10 only)
1-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
This course teaches what every student should know about Artificial Intelligence. AI is a fast-moving technology with impacts and implications for both our individual lives and society as a whole. In this course, students will get a basic introduction to the building blocks and components of artificial intelligence, learning about concepts like algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks. Students will also explore how AI is already being used, and evaluate problem areas of AI, such as bias. The course also contains a balanced look at AI’s impact on existing jobs, as well as its potential to create new and exciting career fields in the future. Students will leave the course with a solid understanding of what AI is, how it works, areas of caution, and what they can do with the technology.
Materials
None
Language Arts 10 (Honors) (Grades 6-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
In Language Arts 10, students learn how to express their thoughts and feelings in writing. Emphasis is placed on the specific traits of the 6- Traits of Writing: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, and Conventions. Students also review the 5-step writing process as they practice the skills of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Each unit also includes instruction in the Greek roots of common English words. Students are guided through the 5-step writing process for each of the major types of writing: expository, persuasive, expressive, research, and functional. The writing projects center on each of the five major types. Students will receive comprehensive instruction on the various structures and styles of writing. Students are expected to produce original high quality examples of each of the major types of writing. Writing samples are graded against the 6-Traits of Writing. Students will broaden their reading experience with exposure to literature from around the world. Students are given vast exposure to a variety of reading samples, and are encouraged to connect and relate to the various authors and cultures within the contexts of the passages and works Reading strategies, the literary elements, and new vocabulary and Latin roots are introduced. In addition, students are guided through an active reading process in preparation to prepare them for high-stakes testing which will assess their abilities to make inferences, comprehend, and analyze a variety of reading materials.
Materials
Required Novels
https://accelerate.education/catalog9_12/language-arts/ae_honorslanguagearts10/
Language Arts 9 (Honors) (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Language Arts 9 Honors is an integrated curriculum with challenging assignments aimed at preparing Honors-level students for advanced work in the study of literature and language arts. Each unit contains thematically related lessons in five domains: reading and the study of literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language study, which includes word knowledge and grammar skills. Writing and informational text lessons guide students through the stages of research and demonstrate how to evaluate, integrate, and share the information gathered during research. Students are required to share their ideas and analysis using several different modes, including oral and multimedia presentations.
Materials
None
Pre-Calculus (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Pre-Calculus covers foundational concepts students need for advanced study in mathematics. This part of the course focuses on right-triangle trigonometry, the unit circle, and the behavior of trigonometric functions. Students learn to graph functions accurately, analyze transformations, and apply fundamental identities and equations to solve problems. Students will extend their understanding of functions and apply them across a broad range of precalculus topics, including conic sections, parametric equations, polynomial and rational functions, complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates, and some statistical ideas. Students learn how these tools describe motion, growth, rotation, and real-world patterns, selecting appropriate functions to model meaningful situations and solve applied problems. Graphing is an important focus, as students identify key features, compare representations, and connect algebraic expressions to geometric behaviors.
Materials
Protractor
Compass
Graphing calculator or online graphing utility
Ruler
Graph paper
Spanish 1 (Grades 6-9 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Spanish 1 is designed to develop an authentic and practical understanding of the Spanish language and culture. Students will have the ability to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in the target language within basic, real-life situations and learning scenarios. All new concepts, grammatical concepts, and cultural information will be introduced in context while incorporating various listening, speaking, and writing activities.
Materials
None
Spanish 2 (Grades 6-10 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Students build upon the foundation developed in Spanish 1. They continue to build vocabulary, learn new verb tenses and other grammar concepts, and they increase their ability to communicate with others. They learn new concepts, like reflexive verbs, infinitive expressions, commands, and the imperfect tense. Semester B will continue building on vocabulary, grammar concepts, and communicating effectively in the target language. Students will explore new countries where Spanish is spoken and continue to keep abreast of current events in the Spanish-speaking world.
Materials
None
Spanish 3 (Grades 6-11 only)
2-Semester Course
Course Content Provided by Accelerate Education
Spanish 3 strengthens intermediate-level communication skills by exposing students to a variety of culturally focused readings, dialogues, videos, and listening selections. Students develop greater confidence in expressing ideas across familiar themes using present, past, and future time frames.
Learners work with authentic materials to identify main ideas, interpret details, and understand cultural perspectives. They produce short, organized spoken and written passages and continue expanding their vocabulary and grammatical control. The course follows ACTFL guidelines as students compare cultural practices with their own.
Materials
Basic school supplies
Access to authentic audio, video, and text sources
Audio/video recording tools
How to Register
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. 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. Enroll the student taking IOAPA course(s)
Completing the school registration page sends school staff an automated email with a link in it to enroll students.
Register Your School
Register Now
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.
