At Superior High School there are many different ways to earn college credits like AP classes. However, there are other options that are not as common. At SHS, I have participated in most of the ways to earn college credit. With multiple credits and experiences under my belt this is my opinion on them.
AP Classes
Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered in the High School. At SHS there are 13 options (14 coming in the 26-27 school year) in math, science, social studies and music. Some classes have prerequisites, usually classes in the graduation progression. However, to earn the credit you must pass the AP exam at the end of the school year. The exams are made up of multiple choice questions and free response questions. AP classes are fast passed and cram a lot of information in usually being lecture based.

AP credits are often awarded by colleges and universities if you get a three or higher, graded out of 5. Not all credit is taken at colleges. Make sure to check at your college to see if the credit is accepted and what score you need! In total, there are forty-two courses offered by the college board. If one is not offered at SHS, talk to your counselor about options.

In my opinion, AP classes are a good way to get college credit as a sophomore or junior because the classes are in the building and the AP teachers I have had as teachers are usually really supportive. The credit provided by these classes are earned through the exam at the end of the school year. If you’re not a strong test taker these formats might not be the best for you.

AP Form

SHS AP Offerings (2026-27 school year)

Department
Course
Grade (2026-2027)
Prerequisite Course Required
English
AP Language and Composition
10/11/12

English
AP Literature and Composition
10/11/12

Math
AP Pre Calculus
11/12
Algebra 2
Math
AP Calculus AB
11/12
PreCalculus
Math
AP Calculus BC
11/12
AP Calculus AB
Science
AP Biology and Lab
11/12

Science
AP Chemistry and Lab
11/12
Chemistry
Science
AP Physics I and Lab
10/11/12
Geometry
Science
AP Physics II and Lab
11/12
Physics or
AP Physics I
Social Studies
AP US Government & Politics
12

Social Studies
AP US History
11/12

Social Studies
AP World History
10

Social Studies
AP Psychology
11/12

Music
AP Music Theory
11/12

Project Lead The Way

*Information for this section provided by Dawson Ahlborg and Jett Roberts*

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) classes are similar to AP classes providing college credits while taking a class in high school. PLTW classes are based on technical education skills designed by the PLTW committee to provide credit to students going to a technical college. These classes are more difficult than standard classes but if you pay attention and stay caught up the test will be easy.

Civil Engineering & Architecture
Introduction to Engineering Design
Digital Electronics
Principles of Engineering
Computer Science Principles

For students looking to go to a technical college, this is a great option to earn credit early.

Dual Enrollment & Articulated Credit

Dual Enrollment (DE) from the University of Wisconsin Superior and articulated credit, also known as transcripted credit courses, provided by Northwood Technical College are fantastic options if you are someone looking for direct credit while at SHS. These classes are held at SHS with teachers designated by the courses of the respective college. These classes have a wide variety of subjects including English and business. These classes follow the curriculum of the college version of the class.

Depending on your college, the credit might not transfer directly; however, these classes do provide you with a transcript from the college so you will get the credit. Dual Enrollment classes do require a GPA of 3.0 and if you fail the class or drop after the window there is a fee.

You can expect these classes to be challenging, but in my experience, they are easier than AP classes. Especially if you plan on going to UW-Superior, or Northwood Technical College, taking classes like Writ: 102 helps to get you some of the general education requirements done. I really liked these classes so I would recommend them to anyone who is willing to take on the challenge.

Dual Enrollment form

SHS’s offerings
Northwood Tech.

High School Course
Northwood
Course
Credits
Construction Academy
32804325 Applied Technical Math l
32410303 Construction Framing l
32420310 Print Reading for Building
3
4
2
Medical Terminology
10501101 Medical Terminology
3
Accounting I, II
10101101 Financial Accounting 1
4
Multimedia II
10103156 Adobe Photoshop
2
Personal Finance
10114125 Personal Finance
3
Software Essentials
10103146 MS Word A
10103147 MS Word B
10103151 MS Excel A
10103152 MS Excel B
10103162 MS Access A
10103106 MS PowerPoint
*Credits earned are based on percentage completed
1
1
1
1
1
1

UWS

High School Course
UWS Course
Credits
ENGL 229: Literature by Women
Equivalent to ENGL 229
3
WRIT 102: Introduction to Academic Writing
Equivalent to WRIT 102
3
COMM 110: Introduction to Communication
Equivalent to COMM 110
3
WRIT 250: Introduction to Creative Writing
Equivalent to WRIT 250
3
TED 200: Introduction to Education
Equivalent to TED 200
3
SOW 121: Intro to Social Work
Equivalent to SOW 121
3

Early College Credit Program and Start College Early

The Early College Credit Program (ECCP) UWS and Start College Early at Northwood Tech is an opportunity to take classes at the college or university with other college students. Tuition for the course is paid for by the school which includes books. The courses you take in these programs are full college classes and professors will treat you as any other college student. To register for these courses, talk with your counselor.

My experience in the ECCP program has been great! Getting the initial paperwork done and scheduling issues with the counseling department was a bit of a struggle. However, leaving the school and going to the college with other college students was something to get used to but is now really fun! I would recommend these classes to seniors because you need to work around the schedule of the college and depending on the time of the course it could take up to 3 class hours at SHS. Anyone who feels prepared and wants to see what college feels like at UWS or Northwood should definitely look into taking a class.

Courses taken must be courses not offered, or similar, to a course at SHS.

High School Special

The high school special option is provided by UWS. It is similar to the ECCP program however tuition and fees are paid for by the student or family. The application is the same as the ECCP application

Overall, my favorite opportunity was the ECCP program and if I had more time in high school I would definitely take more classes through it. However, in my opinion the best way to get college credit is through the dual enrollment classes especially if you are going to a college in the area.

If you have any questions about pre college options, reach out to your counselor and ask!