Photo by Keisha Levi

Every year, upperclassmen cram their schedules with difficult classes. The variety of college credit, AP and more difficult classes have always been limited to about two to three, but not this year.

Students on the Academic Honors track are required to choose between eight options that involve taking AP or college credit classes, or scoring very high on either the SAT or ACT. And lately, these options are becoming easier to acquire.

Previously, the classes students had to choose from (that were only available to seniors) were Advanced U.S. History or college credit English. Today, the options are spread out among the list of classes, resulting in a lower number of students in the usual higher level classes. This raises some eyebrows.

“This is the smallest class I’ve ever taught of Advanced History,” said U.S. History teacher Chris Lindley. Usually there are around 12 or so students in his class, but this year he only has four. This isn’t the only change in the course this year.

Advanced History has always been weighted, but isn’t this year, due to the fact that it is not fair to make some college credit classes weighted, and others not.

Another weighted class that has a lower number of students this year is Spanish IV. There are normally around 10 students in Spanish IV each year, and this year, there is only one. This changes a few things. Because of the lower enrollment, the course is now taught in Henry Cruz’s Language Lab.

“There were only three students enrolled in Spanish IV this year, and the options were to have a class of three, or have a class of 50 Spanish II students,” said Spanish teacher Rachel Wyatt.

Another AP class that has been impacted is AP Chemistry. There is no option for that class this year.

“And there are only four students in AP Physics this year as well,” said Guidance counselor Brandon Crowder.

The reasoning behind the small number of students taking these classes is that many other classes are becoming college credit courses as well.

“The percentage of college credit classes is rising, and students are taking advantage of it,” said Crowder.

Next year, it would be wise for students to look into classes they are interested in taking, and ask what classes offer the college credit or AP option, because it is changing rapidly and students should take advantage of the option.

Story by Samantha Patton