Students at HAHS get to choose their desired classes every year around February. This ensures that they end up with a schedule and the classes that align with their future and their interests. This is a time where students should focus on what could benefit them and not just choose the same classes that their friends are choosing, since this could determine what prepares them for what eventually awaits them past high school.
The classes that are available range from full year to only one semester, and this depends on the credits given. Students should keep in mind the amount of credits they earn every year, since they need 24 total credits to graduate. There are also AP classes which can award students with college credits if they so desire to take them for that reason. These classes also come with a higher weighting on their overall grade that they obtain, although PS classes, post secondary, and honors classes will also give a weighting, just in a smaller percentage.
Sophomore, Arianna Naranjo, decided that after taking honors classes in her freshman year, she would take AP Environmental Science and honors Chemistry concurrently. “I chose to take an AP class this year, because I wanted to experience a more challenging class than honors,” Arianna explains. She also thought that taking Biology with Mrs. Bucheit meant that the transition would be easier, because she was more familiar with the teacher and how she taught her classes. Arianna recommends this class for upcoming sophomores because it is an enjoyable class, and “it helps you get used to AP work, and helps you build your work ethic.”
Although it is a decision for students to take these classes early on, not everyone decides on that. On the other side, Sophomore, Lydia Fultz, decided to just stick with honors classes, because she did not want to make her sophomore year overwhelming. “I have planned on making my junior year my hardest in high school,” Lydia states. She plans on taking AP classes in her junior year, but she is still not completely sure.
No matter what decisions someone were to make for their classes, it is all valid. Some classes work better for others, and it all depends on a student’s particular skill sets and learning style, along with if they wanted to do extra work for their career or not. There is also the option of being career ready with signing up for BCTC, so not everything can be accomplished in just the high school alone.
For more information about credits and the classes offered visit : https://www.hasdhawks.org/domain/187
