Sarah Maddox
News Editor
Soon-to-be high schoolers and their parents gathered at NCHS the night of Feb. 6 to learn about the honors and AP courses that are available at the high school. Assistant principal Ari Rothman, guidance counselor Cynthia Rivera, and AP students Harriet Prior and Lizzy Burke provided the students and parents with general information and tips about the honors and AP courses.
Both Harriet and Lizzy, who have been taking honors classes since their freshman year, and AP classes since their sophomore year, have had positive experiences with advanced placement classes. A key piece of advice that they gave to the incoming freshmen and parents was to consider courseload, and that overwhelming yourself freshman year is unnecessary, as Honors and AP courses are available for anybody throughout their high school career.
Ms. Rivera felt that it was key to find a balance between challenging yourself, and creating a managable courseload. While she acknowledged that getting decent grades is important even in advanced classes, she stressed that students should think carefully aboutthe number of AP courses they could handle.
Junior Honors and AP student, Deven Appel, finds the advanced classes a huge change of pace. He sees the classes as an opportunity to further develop his knowledge, rather than just store it. “Analysis and actual development of understanding can take place beyond just storing knowledge [in honors and AP classes],” Deven said. “The classes are very engaging and intriguing.”
Deven stressed that the benefits to advanced courses do not come easy. He pointed out that there are actually many factors that contribute to having a successful time in the advanced classes. “On one hand, naturally having a good understanding and level of intelligence can help considerably,” he said. “However, the other side is really putting in the effort needed.”
Sophomore Will Hooks, who is taking his first advanced class this year, Honors English, emphasized the endless opportunities that taking an advanced course have given him. “I like honors classes because even though they’re challenging, they open up your knowledge to more aspects of the subject,” he said. Will hopes to remain on the honors track in English for the rest of his high school career.
Attendees of the event were able to get their questions answered by teachers and students, who also added insight into how to successfully choose courses for next year for both parents and students alike. A list of courses that are available to incoming Freshmen can be found on the NCHS website under the ‘Program of Studies 2014-15’ tab.
According to Mr. Rothman, the overall goal of the night was to leave attendees, “better informed and more aware of the options of accelerated programs.” He urged the parents and students who attended to realize that incorperating honors and AP courses into your schedule has a greater purpose than just impressing colleges.
