Seattle school looks to AP classes to enhance its academic reputation

Khoi Le, right, a Cleveland High sophomore, adds an indicator solution (DPIP) to a glass cuvette in a photosynthesis lab during an Advanced Placement biology class. It's one of two AP courses Cleveland is offering for the first time.

By adding tough new AP courses, a Seattle-area high school hopes to draw more students, resulting in more district and state funding. "A lot of times when people are picking schools for their students, that's one of the things that they're looking for," said interim principal Wayne Floyd. "It just gives the perception to the school that it's a quality school." The Seattle Times