As the school year comes closer to its end, it’s now time for students to choose their new classes. Throughout a series of days, the steps are taken to prepare our Jaguars for making the best choices for themselves and their future. Each grade goes through the same general process, with juniors having priority and going first, and then each going down the line until it ends at incoming freshman.
The first part starts off with an orientation. The grade for that day go to the theater during their English class, receive their transcript and classes available for that grade, and then file in to watch a presentation where counselors discuss different classes, courses, and grade specific ideas. From that meeting, students have the time to pick all their classes on Aeries, using the papers given to them to help meet requirements. The last step is a one on one meeting with their counselors, again during English classes, to finalize their schedule!
Because seniors will be leaving next year, juniors inherit the seniority and go first throughout this whole process. While they have already chosen their classes, it’s still worth noting what exactly differs between the grades in the transition to being a senior. As a senior, there’s more opportunities to take free periods, and more freedom as you finish A-G requirements.
As sophomores rise up to become juniors, they now have the opportunity to take more AP classes, electives, and more. Similarly, this presents them with the choice to drop P.E should they decide to. While every student is different, everyone can find a class for themselves. With this newfound freedom for AP classes, some may find themselves in over their head. Nevertheless, counselors are always available to help, and the expectations are outlined in the AP Compact form students are required to fill out every year.
Freshmen rising up to become sophomores face one big challenge: a hugely packed schedule. There is little to no space in a sophomore schedule unless students decide to take classes over the summer, through school or dual enrollment. Dual enrollments can give you extra credits once you graduate, so if you want to excel, check those out!
Perhaps the ones going through the biggest change, eighth graders arriving from middle school are now being introduced to the high school experience. Now they can take AP classes, new and exciting electives- like Advanced Journalism or Journalism I, and overall have much more freedom and fun. On the other hand, it’s also much more pressure to prepare for a steadily approaching college or career as transcripts begin to really matter.
Through sentiment and excitement, registration marks the mark of a new chapter in every student’s lives.
“I just can’t believe I’m choosing my high school classes for the last time,” says junior Hannah Reyes. “It really puts things into perspective. But I’m ready for next year!”
