AP® Microeconomics

Girls-Only & ​All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Completion of Algebra II; Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
AP® Microeconomics gives students an understanding of how limited resources and unlimited wants result in the need to make choices, both individually and collectively. Students will learn why private markets and the price mechanism lead to an efficient allocation of resources in a market-based economy. Market structure, market failure, natural resource markets, and the role of government are included. Students analyze societal issues through the lens of economic reasoning, develop critical thinking skills through the understanding and analysis of fundamental economic concepts, and increase their ability to analyze information and draw conclusions from a wide variety of real-world situations. Students complete collaborative assignments, group discussions, and assessments that require them to apply what they have learned to hypothetical situations. The curriculum is developed to prepare students for the AP® Microeconomics Exam in May. The course is recommended for 11th and 12th graders with strong mathematical reasoning skills and an interest in economics, finance, business, or government policy.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

“I have loved microeconomics this year. My teacher did an excellent job of keeping in contact with his students and having very applicable study materials available. He has also been committed to having the learning pathways for us so that we can choose how we would like to learn the material (reading, watching a video, etc).”

"Mr. Wiess did a great job teaching the material, applying concepts to the real world, and being available for extra help. This class was very interesting and enjoyable."

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • ​The “Fishbanks Simulation” (developed by the MIT Sloan School of Management), which replicates the unintended consequences that can be caused by the depletion of resources in our society 
  • The effects that tariffs, taxes, and price controls can have on the allocation and efficient use of resources in a variety of markets and industries
  • The psychology behind human behavior and “mini-experiments” that incorporate the foundations of game theory and behavioral economics
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by the College Board and the NCAA. 

One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. ​
Kathleen Brennan
Science Teacher
BA St. Peter’s University
​MA Rutgers University