Forecasting has now passed but much of the student body of La Salle is still debating the pros and cons of taking an Honors or AP course for the next school year. Honors and AP courses here at La Salle are full of challenging experiences, but entail new and valuable skills that will prepare students for the future.

Many students believe that taking an Honors or AP class will not only be a positive for their college applications, but also benefit their learning. Sabrina Sandberg, sophomore class president says, “It looks nice on college applications, but many Honors and AP courses teach you valuable skills you will need to know for college.” Like Sabrina, many other students continue to consider not only the concrete benefits of taking an AP or Honors course, but how the course will benefit themselves and their learning.

According to many students here at La Salle, Honors and AP courses consist of more nightly homework as well intensified coursework. However, most would agree that the extra work is beneficial and manageable for those interested and willing for a challenge.

Here at La Salle, Honors and AP courses are challenging learning experiences that take a full academic year filled with dedication and challenges. Students taking Honors and AP courses this year caution other students to take only what they feel they are ready to take. Sophomore Eric Nguyen said, “I recommend that students take not only what they are interested in, but willing to work hard for.” In addition, upperclassmen encourage students to challenge themselves by taking Honors and AP courses.

La Salle offers a number of Honors and AP courses. For instance, students have the choice to expand their knowledge and writing skills by taking AP English III and IV, or have the option to challenge themselves further by taking Honors Chemistry or AP Biology. These courses are only a small glimpse of the array of options La Salle has to offer.

Also, starting next fall, La Salle will be offering two new courses that are developed specifically for the college atmosphere. Ms. Carie Coleman, science department chair, has created a new science course, Bioethics, that studies the ethics and morals involved in the biological sciences.

In addition, Mr. Josh Barstow will be changing a previous elective into a brand new course, Contemporary World Affairs, that explores not only developing but controversial topics the world is facing today. Both courses will be “blended”, meaning that they will be focused on online work and submissions through Schoology and other academic resources, with some course meetings. If interested talk to Ms. Coleman or Mr. Barstow and look into Bioethics and Contemporary World Affairs if these courses interest you.

For more perspective on the challenges involved with taking an AP or Honors class, check out our recent opinion piece on How to Succeed in an AP course.

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