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Flagstaff High School

Home of the Eagles Since 1923

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Upper-Levels

Piper Bauer

Many high schools in the U.S. offer honors, advanced placement (AP), and dual enrollment (DE) classes. Some students don't know the difference between the classes or see them as pointless. So why should you take these classes?

For advanced placement classes, you gain a college credit if you pass the test at the end of the year. The AP credit is more widely accepted than dual enrollment. So, if you plan on going to school out of state, taking some AP classes may shorten your time in college and lessen your tuition. Being responsible is a key attribute if you choose to do AP classes, you have to be responsible for taking a college level course. However, according to AP/DE teacher Ms. D’Oronzio, she’s never had to fail a student; struggle in the classes is only really caused by an extraordinary event, so in a situation of your grade declining you can work with the counselors and get the credit changed.  So, Flagstaff High School makes sure that you can succeed. 

Dual enrollment is also a college credit, but is not as widely accepted at AP. To get DE credit you have to pass the class, there is no qualifying test. Many classes now are DE/AP, so you can go through the course and get a DE credit, and if you choose to take the AP exam you can also get an AP credit. If you fail the AP test at the end of the year, you don’t have to share that with a college, but your grade in the class will be shared. 

In honors classes, you don't get anything other than high school credit. However, honors classes stand out on college applications, help you prepare for college, and provide a more focused environment. Honors classes work at a faster pace than normal classes and usually expand deeper into topics. Honors classes also help prepare you for other upper-level classes.

In conclusion, taking upper-level classes comes with many benefits. However, they are not necessary. If you don’t feel confident in the course, you can always ask a previous teacher if they think the class would be a good fit for you.