AP Statistics — The Cushman School

Overview

About the Course

AP Statistics is organized into five units: exploring one-variable data and collecting data, probability and distributions, inference for proportions, inference for means, and regression analysis. The course is equivalent to a first-semester undergraduate statistics course and prepares students for the College Board AP exam.

Students learn to think statistically — not just mechanically apply formulas. We work with real datasets throughout, and students develop proficiency in Python and R alongside classical techniques. Every inference procedure is grounded in careful study design and honest interpretation.

Produce and interpret graphical and numerical summaries of distributions
Design and critically evaluate studies, experiments, and simulations
Apply probability rules and model random phenomena
Construct confidence intervals and perform significance tests
Communicate statistical results in plain language with appropriate uncertainty

Curriculum

Units

Unit 1

Exploring One-Variable Data and Collecting Data

Categorical and quantitative data displays; shape, center, spread, and outliers; sampling methods, bias, and experimental design.

Unit 2

Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions

Two-way tables; probability rules; conditional probability; random variables; binomial and Normal distributions; sampling distributions and the Central Limit Theorem.

Unit 3

Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions

Confidence intervals and tests for one and two proportions; Type I and II errors; chi-square tests for homogeneity and independence.

Unit 4

Inference for Quantitative Data: Means

t-procedures for one mean, paired means, and two independent means; conditions and interpretation for each inference method.

Unit 5

Regression Analysis

Scatterplots; correlation; linear regression models; residuals and residual analysis; interpretation of slope, intercept, and r².

Based on the AP Statistics Course and Exam Description, effective Fall 2026.