February is here at last, which means course selection has officially begun. For eighth graders, this marks the opportunity to enroll in their first high school classes and get a taste for the diversity of experiences WHS has to offer.
Though exciting, choosing a high school schedule for the first time can be stressful. Many eighth graders find themselves caught between taking honors or regular courses, poring over which electives to sign up for, and remembering to maintain balance in their busy lives. In addition, there’s a sense of uncertainty regarding the difficulty of classes and the amount of homework assigned each night. To make this complicated process a bit easier, freshmen have weighed in with their personal experiences, opinions, and analyses on each core class.
English 9 vs. Honors English 9
Perhaps the most pressing and deliberated question is whether a student should take English 9 or Honors English 9. Both are challenging, engaging courses that teach essential writing, reading, and presentational skills, but there are some key differences between the two.
We’ll start with English 9. In English 9, students study novels, short stories, poetry, grammar usage, and speech skills. Annotations and note-taking are heavily emphasized and used to write in-class essays and paragraphs. In addition, students complete various projects and analyze Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Many who took English 9 enjoyed their experience and noted that homework was often minimal, varying from no assignments to around half an hour a night. “It was a good class, and I had fun in it,” said Parnika Krishnam. “I would recommend it to students who want to learn how to write and those who want to build their comprehension skills.”
Most current freshmen agree that students looking for a relaxed, slower-paced class but still willing to learn about language arts concepts are likely to benefit the most from taking English 9. The course still teaches valuable lessons on grammar, reading strategies, and writing skills, but at a flexible level designed for everyone.
Next, we’ll discuss Honors English 9. This class is known by many to be one of the most difficult classes they took during their time at Wayzata High School, and having just completed the course, I feel compelled to weigh in as well.
Honors English 9 tackles advanced concepts such as in-depth literary analysis, grammar usage, and interpreting historical texts. In addition, it advances at a much more rapid pace than English 9 and leaves students with unique, challenging, and creatively demanding projects or assignments nearly every day regarding novels, short stories, and Romeo and Juliet. A strong work ethic and a genuine, passionate interest in English are imperative to students’ success in this class. This means that generally, those who enjoyed and thrived in eighth-grade language arts are the most likely to reach their full potential in Honors English 9.
Though the class is known for its difficulty, many students firmly believe that the importance of its lessons far outweighs its challenges and potential grade penalties. “It was very rigorous and challenging, but it was also very rewarding and useful,” stated Ethan Zou, who recently finished the class. “My GPA isn’t perfect because of this course, but I’ve learned useful skills that go way beyond grades.”
A fellow classmate of Zou and me, Lahari Subramaniyan, shared a similar perspective on the class. “I had a positive experience because I had friends in my class, and I enjoyed being there. It was stressful, but I think it was definitely worth it,” she said. “I gained notes for grammar which could be useful for ACT prep, and I learned studying strategies which help me a lot in other classes too.”
Finally, Ava Tringali, who also took the class first semester, expressed some thoughts on her experience. “In Honors English 9, I improved my annotating, note-taking, grammar, understanding Shakespeare, and public speaking skills… I had a positive experience. I learned a lot. I think it was challenging, but not overly difficult. I also enjoyed that we did partner and group work. I met a lot of new people and made many new friends.”
A few key points were also mentioned by past students on the skills needed to succeed in Honors English 9. “I would recommend it to students who want an accelerated learning pace and enjoy reading and studying. Especially if you enjoy language arts, take this class,” stated Subramaniyan. Tringali noted, “I would recommend it to students who are willing to spend time outside of class to read and study. After every reading, there is a quiz, so it is important that students stay caught up.”
So, should a student take English 9 or Honors English 9? The answer is really up to them and their personal needs and preferences.
If a student would prefer to learn at a more gradual pace with a lighter workload, already has an extremely busy schedule, or simply doesn’t enjoy language arts, I would recommend they sign up for English 9. There, they will still learn important reading, writing, and presentation skills and benefit greatly from the lessons taught in class.
If they’re looking for a challenge, love writing and reading, have good test-taking abilities, flourished in eighth-grade language arts, and most importantly, are willing to work hard, Honors English 9 is a good place for them. However, it is unrealistic to walk into the class expecting to earn an ‘A.’ Honors English 9 shouldn’t be seen as just another advanced class off the checklist; rather, as a collaborative, rigorous, and invigorating learning experience that teaches important lessons on both character and language arts skills. My classmates and I have each learned invaluable ideas from the class that will no doubt benefit us for the rest of our lives.
Human Geography vs. AP Human Geography
Human Geography is up next. Wayzata High School allows students to choose whether they would like to take Human Geography or AP (Advanced Placement®) Human Geography. Students will learn about patterns of culture, politics, government structure, and economics.
First, we’ll discuss Human Geography. In this course, students develop their understanding of the world we live in and practice analysis, writing, and reading skills. Similarly to English 9, the course contains less material and advances at a pace many find more reasonable and best suited to their needs, especially if they don’t have a strong interest in social studies.
According to current Human Geography student Melody Wang, those who take the course learn about “geography, history, politics, finding countries on the map faster and better identifying a word or a phrase.”
Human Geography also contains projects featuring presentations and research as well as quizzes and tests to gauge understanding of class material, which consists of topics like civics, economics, cultural identity, and migration. If a student feels their schedule is already crammed with advanced classes, doesn’t feel motivated to tackle an accelerated social studies class, or wants to learn at a reduced pace, Human Geography is a great option for them.
Now, for AP Human Geography. AP Human Geography is an Advanced Placement course offered by CollegeBoard. Advanced Placement classes are rigorous, college-level courses offered to high schoolers, and AP Human Geography is the first AP course most students will take. Students will register for an AP test administered in early to mid-May that covers all concepts learned in class. In addition, students will receive college credit if they score a three out of five or above on the AP test and will obtain a weighted GPA boost of 1.0 for taking the class.
In AP Human Geography, students are expected to identify and analyze spatial patterns, environmental impacts, and human expression on the Earth’s ever-changing landscape. It is divided into seven units, with a final project and test at the end of the course. AP Human Geography usually gives one to two hours of homework per night, which students complete by analyzing passages in a textbook and recording detailed observations and notes.
Though the workload is heavy, the class teaches important writing, reading analysis, critical thinking, and concept application skills. In addition, it is also commonly classified as an introductory AP course, so taking it allows for the development of skills needed to take more challenging AP classes later on in high school.
Many, including myself, enjoyed the course thoroughly and appreciated how it allowed us to begin seeing the world around us through a different lens. “I learned how to connect my answers in learning better to real-life examples and how to work well under small pressures in the class,” stated Lexi Morris. “Sure, some parts were stressful, but the class did help me become a better student and person.”
Ileah Brennan added, “I feel like I learned a lot of important stuff and it wasn’t as difficult as I thought… As long as you’re fine with reading, it’s worth it to take it.”
My classmates and I also agreed there were some things to consider before deciding whether or not AP Human Geography is right for each student. It’s important to keep in mind that the course extends beyond basic definition memorization; taking the time to read the textbook carefully and applying learned concepts is far more important to students’ success. “I would recommend this class to students with above average learning when it comes to things like history, and [who] have developed some basic study habits,” said Morris.
A strong background in geography is also invaluable, as it helps students come up with examples on written questions, allows for quicker understanding of spatial concepts, and provides an advantage on mapping tests.
Overall, students who have strong writing and reading skills, can complete homework efficiently and feel motivated to study topics carefully tend to have the most success in AP Human Geography. If a student is willing to put in the work for this class, I would highly recommend they take it. AP Human Geography not only boosts spatial and societal awareness, but also teaches important time management and study skills useful for the rest of high school.
Math Course Selection
Wayzata High School has recently announced plans for a completely new math course sequence starting with the class of 2030. Students not enrolled in eighth-grade Accelerated Math will take Statistics 1 and Geometry 1 freshman year. Those currently taking Algebra 1 in Accelerated Math will proceed with the old class sequence and sign up for Geometry or Accelerated Geometry.
Though little is known about the new courses, the math department believes they will benefit students in a world of rapidly changing technology and artificial intelligence. Both Statistics 1 and Geometry 1 will serve as introductory courses to their respective subjects and are aligned with the Minnesota state math standards.
In Statistics 1, students will learn the basics of data, probability, and survey interpretation. They will deepen their reasoning and decision-making skills through analyzing real-world situations and experiments. Similarly, students will develop basic spatial and geometric knowledge in Geometry 1.
Those taking eighth-grade Accelerated Math have a few more options as far as class sign-up. The old format allows students to move through Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and AP math classes such as Calculus and Statistics. Most rising freshmen who were in Accelerated Math will end up taking Geometry or Accelerated Geometry, with some opting to double-up and take Algebra II as well.
Accelerated Geometry and Geometry are pretty similar in terms of course load and pace. Both teach students the basics on angles, transformations, probability, proofs, and trigonometry. However, Accelerated Geometry adds on a few extra topics such as secants and tangents, conditional probability, and counting principles.
Those who took Geometry and Accelerated Geometry agree that homework was fairly minimal and usually around thirty minutes a night. It is self-paced and completed using a personal textbook and notebook. In addition, three late passes are given out to each student in case they are unable to finish their assignment on time.
If a student decides to double-up in order to take Calculus sooner, they will attend Geometry in the first semester and Algebra II the next semester. Though some opted to take this route, it is generally recommended to double-up sophomore year instead, as loading too many challenging core classes onto a ninth-grade schedule can be overwhelming while students are still adjusting to high school. However, everyone has different strengths and priorities, and taking Algebra II can also create a less demanding sophomore year for those who feel confident in their math skills.
Earth Science and AP Environmental Science
At WHS, all ninth graders are required to take Earth Science. Earth Science teaches six units: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Climate, Weather, Earth’s Interior and Earthquakes, Plate Boundaries and Volcanoes, and Astronomy. Students take part in various in-class lab work and reading quizzes that enrich their understanding of Earth’s functions and environmental processes.
Another science option available to ninth graders is AP Environmental Science. Unlike AP Human Geography, however, AP Environmental Science is an elective available to all grades and not commonly taken among freshmen. Despite this, it serves as a good introductory AP and covers similar topics to both AP Human Geography and Earth Science, such as ecosystems, plate tectonics, ocean currents, energy resources, agriculture, and human pollution. Homework can vary by class, but many agree it is relatively relaxed and self-paced.
Electives
Last, but certainly not least, we have electives. In ninth grade, electives offer the perfect opportunity for students to explore new interests and dive deeper into topics they enjoy. Wayzata High School has an incredibly diverse range of experiences available to ninth graders, and many have helped with the discovery of new passions and even career paths. In fact, the reason I’m writing for the Trojan Tribune is that I took a Journalism course earlier this year.
So, what electives should a student sign up for? I would strongly recommend taking classes that interest them and that offer an escape from the intensity of core classes. These introductory electives will also open doors for them to take subsequent lessons in areas of interest. Electives should generally be fun, relaxed, and compelling.
Conclusion
While this guide can serve as a helpful resource for ninth-grade class selection, it’s important to note that each student has different academic strengths and needs. Talking to teachers, counselors, friends, or family members about freshman courses can offer a more individualized perspective on the best fit.
Ultimately, everyone will end up experiencing high school differently. It’s important to consider your own priorities and abilities before deciding to take a class simply because a friend is or because you feel pressured to. The right schedule should, at the end of the day, both challenge you and not overwhelm you. Remembering to find balance across all aspects of your life will lead you to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling time here at Wayzata High School.
