Iredell-Statesville Schools School & Family Magazine December 2016 | Page 12

Advanced Placement Academy
at West Iredell High School

Madison Hatley, a 10th grade student at
West Iredell High School, was quick to comment
when asked about her first year in the Advanced
Placement (AP) Academy. “When I first heard
about it, it was intimidating. But, when you take the
classes and your friends and teachers are there to
help, plus you have Mrs. Pulyer, there’s so much
great support it feels normal.”

This sentiment was a common one among
the students who have elected to take a more
rigorous course of study at West High. Beginning
last academic year, this AP program offers
college-level curriculum and examinations to high
school students. The offered subjects are created
for the College Board by experts in the particular
fields of study.

Kyah Ottone, also a 10th grade student,
issued a warning to parents and to students
considering AP Academy. “Your grades will be
lower, but I want to reassure parents, and new
students, that the reason I made a 1 last year on
my tests was because I procrastinated. Now I’ve
learned how to manage my time better.”
10 Iredell-Statesville School & Family

As the Counselor for the AP Academy at
West High, Theresa Pulyer has the opportunity to
get to know the students particularly well and has
helped create the supportive environment they feel.
Mrs. Pulyer commented “parents and students were
not getting what they needed to prepare for college.
Through this specific program, we have the chance
to work on individual preparation, and I am very firm
about individualized plans for my students.”

“Getting to know the students well is key,”
said Adams Sherrill, also a 10th grade student.
“This Academy is more rigorous and will prepare
us so college won’t be such a big surprise.”
Kyah agreed. “It pushes you,” she said. “Exams
are harder, but we are really supported by our
teachers.”

This year there are thirty-one 9th grade
students and thirty 10th grade students in the
AP Academy at West High. “These numbers will
continue to grow,” said Mrs. Pulyer. “My students
are the greatest ambassadors for this program.”