Every year, just as the third quarter ends, students begin planning their schedules for the following year. For many students, this time can bring a new type of pressure. Choosing classes can be challenging, with important decisions to make in a limited amount of time.
For the ninth graders moving to the Upper School, the number of class options increases, including Honors and interdisciplinary studies courses. Ninth Grade Dean Erin Day emphasized that students have plenty of opportunities to take honors classes in the future.
“If you want to take more honors courses, you still have three years of high school,” Day said. “If you can handle the workload, it’s worth trying, but you have to consider your extracurriculars and other commitments. There’s time to spread things out, so you don’t need to rush into everything all at once.”
Sophia Hamideh ’29 said choosing classes at the Upper School brings both excitement and uncertainty.
“Choosing classes in eighth grade was my first time thinking about high school,” Hamideh said. “I knew the lower school campus and teachers well, so it was very simple when it came to picking classes. However, doing course selections for the Upper School feels different. It’s a completely new environment where I am unfamiliar with the teachers and the structure of the classes.”
Shrey Maniar ’29 said he picks his classes based on his experience in each subject.
“I prioritize classes I’m interested in when it comes to electives,” Maniar said. “For academic classes, I look at my strengths and where I excel. From there, I can decide whether or not I want to take an Honors course.”
Sydney Lee ’29 said planning her classes for next year can feel like an important step toward her future.
“Course selections can shape your path for the rest of high school,” Lee said. “Even in ninth grade, it already makes me think about things like college applications and how the classes I choose now might affect my future.”
Day hopes students can prioritize their well-being while finding a balance in their schedules.
“For students who are deciding between a class they feel like they need to take and one they want to take, talking to your counselor can really help you think through your options,” Day said. “But at the same time, you have to trust your own instincts. If you’re choosing something just because others tell you to or because it might look good for college, that’s probably not the best reason to take a class. It’s important to choose classes you’re genuinely interested in.”
