As the school year comes to an end, students are asked to choose which classes they want to take next year. Deciding what classes to take is a different process for each student, as all students have different opinions on what they feel is most important. San Domenico offers different levels of classes so that students can take what they feel is best for their needs. This is a nice way of allowing students to take their preferred courses and at their preferred pace.
In order to decide what classes to take, most students look at what classes they have taken this year, and then what follows after.
Even though the students are able to pick what classes they want to take, there are still required classes that have to be completed. For example, sophomores are required to take Myth and Meaning and juniors have to take Social Justice.
Some of the factors that play a role in deciding what classes to take depend on the student themselves. One thing many students consider is, how much time do they have after school to complete their homework. Some students don’t have the time because of their extracurriculars.
“I do two sports during the same season so I am practicing for four hours before I can even start my homework,” sophomore Sarah Gordon said.
For a student that spends so much time doing a sport, many students believe it is not wise to take all AP or honors classes. When taking those classes students are guaranteed a large workload.
Gordon explained how she makes decisions about classes. “I like to challenge myself, so I have learned to find balance with my school work and my sports,” Gordon said.
Procrastination has a different effect on every student, and some students are aware that they are not able to take a class that is challenging, while staying engaged.
Sophomore, Stephania Salazar said, “I decided to not take AP Language because I don’t love to read, so I decided to take a harder class on a topic where I can stay more focused.”
Decisions are also based on recommendations from teachers. Teachers are able to evaluate students throughout the year, and by the time course selections are being made, they are able to get a feel for what they think is best for their students.
“When you have a teacher for a year, you are able to get closer to them,” sophomore Audrey Robley said. “When they recommend you for a class after having you as their student for almost a year you believe they want what is best for you, so you take the class they recommend you for.”
Even though there are classes that have to be taken in order to graduate, there is still enough wiggle room for students to take classes that are important to them. Some students feel most comfortable taking the standard classes and that is fine as well.
If a class doesn’t work out, or meet expectations for whatever reason, students are able to switch out of that class into a different level.
