Englewood High School students entering English teacher Mark Fornnarino’s classroom often carry with them a mixture of excitement and anxiety. “They’re usually kind of nervous about it,” Fornnarino admits, acknowledging the pressure of the exam. The AP Literature test comprises three essays and a series of challenging multiple-choice questions, all to be completed in a three-hour span.
“The test is strenuous,” Fornnarino explains, “and it’s supposed to be the second hardest AP test.” The relief that students feel upon completing the exam is noticeable.
Preparation for the AP exam in Fornnarino’s class is a year-long process. His students engage in an attentive curriculum to build their skills and grow their understanding of literature. “We read a lot, probably more than any reading class at Englewood High School,” he said.
Fornnarino’s passion for teaching AP Literature is obvious in his enthusiasm for both the subject and his students. “I like the challenge of it,” he said, “teaching kids or helping kids prepare for such strenuous tests.” For Fornnarino, literature is more than a subject, it is a window into the human experience. He believes that analyzing literature provides students with valuable life lessons. “Getting things out of literature that you can apply to your own life,” he adds, “can help you live your life in better ways.”
Despite the challenges, Fornnarino finds joy in his role, “My favorite thing about it is obviously the students,” he shares. Their enthusiasm and curiosity make the classroom active, making each day an exciting journey through literature.
Englewood High School junior Yandel Munoz, a dedicated student, recently shared his experiences and strategies for the challenges of AP taking classes.
Yandel approaches AP tests with a study routine. “I try to study all the material for most AP classes,” he explained. His preparation also includes taking and reviewing notes from his AP classes. “We have chapter notes that we review on,” he said.
When asked about the hardest and easiest aspect of taking AP courses, Yandel admitted, “The hardest is definitely the final test at the end of the year.” He noted the length and the difficulty in maintaining focus throughout the exams. Yandel finds some relief in collaborative projects. “Exams for AP US History and AP world, we have projects. So those two projects are the easiest,” he shared.
Yandel’s decision to enroll in AP classes is influenced by his family. “My parents really know what’s best for me, and AP classes are good to do,” he stated. The presence of his friends in these classes serves as a source of motivation and enjoyment. “I think it’s because all my friends are here too. That’s my favorite part,” Yandel said with a smile.
Englewood High School teachers say they are proud to support students like Yandel Munoz, who are committed to pursuing academic excellence through challenging coursework.
Englewood High School Senior Luzmia Hernandez explains the upcoming exams are a source of confidence rather than stress. “I’m good, I know Spanish, so I think it would be pretty simple.” Her bilingual background gives her an advantage.
Hernandez’s decision to enroll in AP Spanish was driven by a clear goal which is earning college credit. “I guess it motivated me to try to get college credit,” she says.
For Hernandez, the AP Spanish class is not just about language acquisition, it’s also about the environment around her teacher. “Definitely Ms. Lonn,” she says with appreciation.”She’s really chill and likes to give us enough time to work on stuff. She makes sure we understand the material until we get to move on afterward.” Spanish teacher Tracey Lonn’s supportive teaching style contributes significantly to Luzmia’s positive experience.
The AP, or Advanced Placement, Program currently offers 38 courses across multiple subject areas. Each course is developed by a committee composed of college faculty and AP teachers and covers the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course. AP courses are taught by highly qualified high school teachers.
The AP Examinations are administered each year in May and represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline in a secondary school setting. Rigorously developed by committees of college and AP high school faculty, the AP Exams test students’ ability to perform at a college level. Students have the choice of taking the AP Exam or opting out.
Colorado districts choose which AP exams will fulfill the graduation guidelines option.
AP currently offers courses in multiple subject areas that include Capstone Research and Seminar, English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, psychology, U.S. and world history, government and politics, world languages, studio art, and music.
In Colorado, students took more than 81,000 AP exams in May 2020, and 85% scored a 2 or higher. The program is accessible to many students, and the number of students taking AP exams is growing.
A total of 110 students at Englewood High School took 184 AP classes and exams from 2023 to 2024. 55% got a score 3 or higher. Students often took more than one AP class per year. Class offerings include AP Biology, English Language Composition, US History and World History.
According to College Board, the national group that creates and distributes AP tests, the scoring system for AP exams ranges from one to five.
The scale is a way to demonstrate knowledge in a particular class.
AP exams typically are made up of two main parts: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.
Over the last five years, students at EHS taking AP courses have improved their scores nearly every year. At Englewood, students scored a 4 or 5 in Biology, English Literature, English Composition, European History, Human Geography, Pre-Calculus, Psychology and Spanish Language and Culture, US History and World History.
