In an AP Calculus BC class, traditionally filled by juniors and seniors, sits sophomore Teresa Norton Winters. She is taking a triple-accelerated math class, doing coursework three years ahead of the typical course trajectory.
The opportunity to accelerate through courses is very rare, and can happen as early as elementary school, Joyce Kim, Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, said. Norton Winters was double-accelerated in math since sixth grade, until she simultaneously took Algebra 2 at South and Pre-Calculus through an online program in her freshman year.
This process can also happen in the World Languages department; heritage speakers can take a placement test to enter higher levels of language classes that sufficiently challenge them, Amanda Moritz, Instructional Supervisor of World Languages, said. Alternatively, students can be recommended by their teacher to skip through a language course, such as going from French 2 straight to French 4, if they are performing exceptionally in class, Moritz added.
“The great thing about language classes is that there’s always a good mix of ages,” Moritz said. “Our teachers do a really good job creating that sense of community and belonging in class.”
Students can accelerate through courses in multiple ways, like studying via online courses, or entering high school at a higher level, Kim said. For sophomore Ford Graves, who is taking AP Calculus BC, one benefit of taking an AP class this year was the safety it gave him in his schedule to take an honors level history class, as AP Calculus made up for the rigor, he said. Additionally he was able to make connections he would not otherwise have had by being in class with upperclassmen, Graves added.
“My accelerated classes have given me opportunities to meet people out of my grade,” Graves said. “They are a lot of my closest friendships and I value those friendships.”
To combat academic pressure, students can reach out to teachers and use the Titan Learning Center to succeed, Moritz said. Accelerating through courses is a demanding task that is challenging, but nonetheless beneficial, Norton Winters added.
“The material is challenging,” Norton Winters said. “But it’s not impossible, and I’m glad I did it.”
