Course Recommendations

Scan the QR code to view the FHS course guide, which shows avaible course options and diploma pathways.

Staying on course

Upperclassmen recommend classes from di erent departments

Lily Thomas thomalil000@hsestudents.org

Introduction

With over 200 course o erings, underclassmen have an array of classes to choose from when they meet with their counselors to schedule their next academic year. According to counselor Matt Swaim, counselors consider several factors, such as the student’s grade, career interests, diploma type and academic abilities, when advising students on course requests. Swaim suggests that, to prepare for scheduling, students should take time to think about what interests and goals they have in mind and consider how they can challenge themselves next year. “FHS is a large high school that o ers so many choices to students,” Swaim said. “Students should take advantage of these opportunities and select classes that t their unique journey towards nding a career.” To learn about the courses available, Swaim encourages students to read through the course guide found on the school website. Teachers and fellow students can also be helpful sources.

Math

For those pursuing the Core 40 diploma, the highest math class required is Algebra II. However, there are other math classes that upperclassmen can take such as AP Calculus, Precalculus/Trigonometry, AP Statistics and College Algebra. Junior Kennedy Terhune is currently taking Precalculus/Trigonometry. “I would suggest taking it if you’re pretty comfortable with Algebra and Algebra II because it’s very similar to those skills and adds a new element of skill sets to the foundation you set in those classes,” Terhune said. Science

In addition to the required biology, chemistry or physics credits, students must also choose an additional science class to take. Science courses range from Zoology to AP Environmental Science, with options for all types of interests. Senior Peyton Rodgers has taken Horticulture, AP Environmental Science and Honors Geology. “All of those classes are really fun if you’re interested in those subjects,” Rodgers said. “Horticulture is one of my favorites because you deal with a lot of plants and I like plants. If anyone is wanting that, I highly recommend them.”

All diplomas require a business credit, which can be ful lled by classes like Accounting I, Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Business or Digital Applications and Responsibility. During her freshman year, Rodgers took an Introduction to Computer Science class. “It was really easy to understand,” Rodgers said. “ ey break it down and give you actual building blocks in the coding simulator, and for the nal project, you get to make a computer game.”

Business

Social Studies

ough there are required classes, there are still some other options to take in addition to the requirements. Social studies course options include Psychology, Ethnic Studies, AP Human Geography, Sociology and more. “My favorite class that I’ve had in my four years is Current Issues,” Rodgers said. “ e reason why I loved it so much is because it gave me a lot of freedom with all the assignments and projects.”

Language Arts

ere are both full-year and one semester language arts courses o ered, and Swaim pointed out that there are also opportunities for college credit. AP Seminar and AP Research are two fullyear classes o ered to those who intend to pursue the AP Capstone diploma. Other full-year courses include English 12, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition and more. Some one semester options include Creative Writing, Debate and Film Literature. When deciding which language arts course to take, Terhune considered AP Language and Composition and AP Literature and Composition. Ultimately, she chose AP Language and Composition because she does not enjoy reading as much. “I’m involved with Debate and things of that sort and it de nitely helps my skill set,” Terhune said. “To me, I kind of think of it as the idea of ethos, pathos and logos, but in an entire class. We learn a lot about rhetorical analysis, argumentative essays and delve into why a writer makes the choices they do to convey a certain argument. If you tend to like things like that, AP Language and Composition is de nitely a class for you.” Elective courses could be from either of these categories: world languages, ne arts or career and technical education. A few examples of elective classes are Intro to 2D Art, eatre Arts, Orchestra, world languages and Welding. “One elective class I would recommend is theatre,” Rodgers said. “I took it freshman year, and it’s really fun because you just act with people that you get to know. Some of my closest friends are people who I met in that class. It does help with presentations in your other classes because you learn to just not care.”

Final Advice

When considering which courses to take, Swaim suggests taking four or more academic courses during all four years of high school. He also recommends considering the rigor and di culty of each course, as these will be important to colleges. “I do believe that the classes I have taken have prepared me for higher education a er high school because the classes have to be taken in levels and a er you have achieved one, you can move to the next one,” Rodgers said. Some classes Rodgers wished she had taken are a cooking class and a natural resources class. For those who do not know what they want to do in the future, Swaim says that senior year can be a good time to explore di erent courses. “ e last two years of high school are an exciting time,” Swaim said. “As you get closer to graduating from high school, it is important to select classes that t your goals a er high school.” During Terhune’s senior year, she wants to take ACP Government (We e People), Advanced Math/Finite ACP and IB World Religion. “I think taking a variety of classes helps you re ect on what your skill sets are,” Terhune said. “When you’re going into your upperclassmen years, that re ection is going to help you localize your focus to what’s going to bene t you most long-term.”

Graphics by Lily Thomas