The main difference between AP classes and honors classes is that AP classes are college-level courses with specific curriculum created by College Board and honors classes cover a topic more in-depth than a regular class while also moving at a faster pace.
AP classes are widely focused on the end-of-year exam, which allows a student to potentially receive college credit for the class if they get a high enough score on the test.
In reality, taking an AP class is an investment. You’re spending your time and money now, so you won’t have to do it later in college.
But what if you don’t want that? What if you don’t want to pay for the test or even deal with the DBQs? What do AP classes give you that honors classes don’t?
AP classes commonly fill up fasterthan a shot glass under a waterfall, making honors classes an amazing second choice.
The issue is that there aren’t enough honors classes to compete and provide an alternative to AP classes for driven students.
Most honors classes at San Marin are only available once completing a prerequisite requirement of sitting in the class for at least a year. Plus, most of the time, an honors class is only open for a single period.
San Marin should focus more on honors classes because they can change the curriculum at will.
AP classes are locked in a concrete curriculum, one that cannot change due to the way they are structured to teach all the content that will appear on the AP test.
A lot of classes benefit from more fluid agendas to cater to the class’ strengths and weaknesses.
It would be beneficial to take students who still want to be challenged and put them in an honors class that still gives them a grade boost.
Imagine all the opportunities that would stem from opening honors algebra, physics, chemistry, English, and French classes.
Since freshmen aren’t eligible for any AP classes, ninth graders looking for something more advanced may benefit from a class that’s more rigorous than your average course, but without all of the regulations that go into an AP class.
Not only will this solve the issue of stacked AP classes, but it will also provide an environment better suited for skeptical students.
AP classes are great for a more extensive learning experience, but that doesn’t mean honors courses can’t be too. Another benefit of honors classes is that they can be created more easily than AP classes.
Niche topics like philosophy, creative writing, mythology, business, and even unexpanded courses like geometry can be implemented under the honors program. There is definitely a market for these classes as many students are resorting to taking classes at community and junior colleges or universities.
Creating an honors class can also benefit programs canceled due to a lack of interest or student engagement. If we implemented a new honors version, students may be more likely to take it for the grade boost that honors classes come with.
I’m not calling for a removal of AP classes, but just a remembrance of everything honors classes stand for.
