Next year, there will be a change coming to the classes offered; Freshman will be given the chance to take AP Human Geography. This brings up the debate of whether or not freshmen should have this option or not.
Currently, AP Human Geography is taught by David Hult. It is a single second-semester class which focuses on the study of the distribution, processes, and effects of the human population on our planet. Currently, the class must maintain a quick pace in order to study all the content before the AP test. However, next year, the class will be a year long, which will decrease the speed at which the class is taught.
This does not mean the class nor the workload will be any easier. “The class moves very quickly,” says AP human geography student, Noah Streeter, “The homework is optional, but that does not make the tests or subject any less difficult.” This amount of work is something not all freshman are ready for. Some teachers also believe that AP classes could be difficult for people who are new to the high school. “Freshman are not ready for the work nor the responsibility that AP classes require,” AP art teacher, Aimee Peters, believes.
This is not because freshmen cannot work hard or are not smart; it is because most are not accustomed to the difference between high school and the junior high yet. “Some students will be able to handle AP classes,” says Streeter, “but most are not used to the difficulty high school classes.”
There are many other AP classes offered at the school, but most require prerequisites. The main purpose of taking an AP class is to take the AP test and receive credit for the class in college. The AP test also provides a great sample of what exams in college will feel like.
The pressure that accompanies any AP class should not be pushed onto freshmen who have not yet experienced what a high school class is like. Many parents will force their kids into the honor or AP track in order to challenge them. Putting an AP class on the schedule for freshmen may cause unneeded stress for students who should be enjoying their first year of high school.
