Advanced Placement:
Students taking these college-level courses experience a curriculum that is designed and monitored by The College Board. All students are expected to participate in AP testing at the end of the year. 

Dual Credit Courses:
These college-level courses can potentially count for both high school and college credit. Talk with your guidance counselor for more information.

Thoughts about which route to take:
Reaching the cut score with an AP Exam could translate into college credit, as could a dual credit class.

Students considering between the two routes should consider a couple of things.

College Major: AP classes are more suited to fulfill requirements within specific majors*.  (*Each college sets its own cut scores. Credit is not automatic.) 

General Studies Requirements: Students are expected to take a core set of classes at the college level. Dual Credit classes could help fulfill some of the general study requirements* but will not likely meet requirements within a student's major.  (*This is at the discretion of each institution.)