By Julian Bayan

Granada Hills Charter (GHC) has earned a reputation for academic excellence due to its wide array of course offerings, ranging from college preparatory (CP) courses to Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. This extensive level of accessibility to courses has given the school its reputation for both excellence and rigor. For seniors, however, their course selection is more limited. 

Rising seniors who are examining their course options will be quick to notice that honors classes are not an option across almost all subjects, with the sole exception being honors Human Body Systems (formerly Honors Physiology), which is a science course. Across all other core subjects, honors classes are virtually nonexistent for seniors. 

According to English Department chair Mathew Arnold, GHC wanted to emphasize a decision point for students, particularly seniors, to choose between AP or regular CP classes, ultimately eliminating the availability of honors courses for seniors. Additionally, certain colleges do not count honors courses for seniors.

Although this approach aims to streamline options and encourage students to challenge themselves, it overlooks the diverse needs and preferences of our student body. 

Senioritis, a term often used to describe the declining effort and the lack of motivation that high school seniors experience as graduation approaches, often makes its peak in twelfth grade. As a result, some seniors may avoid taking AP classes, preferring to take it easier for their senior year. On the other hand, some students are still determined to push themselves and showcase their academic course rigor to college admissions officers, but may still not want the extreme workload of an AP course.

This is where honors classes could come into play. By reintroducing honors courses for seniors, GHC would provide a valuable middle ground. With the implementation of 12th-grade honors courses, students can demonstrate to colleges that they are committed to challenging themselves academically, even though graduation is right around the corner, which can be a gateway to senioritis.

Additionally, honors courses offer a level of academic rigor without the heavy workload that comes with being in an AP class. Eliminating these classes for seniors forces students to pick between a heavy course load or regular CP classes. 

Seniors who choose to enroll in CP classes because they feel overwhelmed by another year of AP course(s), will miss out on not only a minor GPA boost (which higher-level courses can still give) but also a more challenging and in-depth academic experience, which could have been offered by honors courses as well.

Bringing honors courses for seniors would serve as a middle ground between CP and AP classes, which would help cater to the different learning styles and needs of our student body, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to pursue a rigorous education that suits their goals.