OPINION: Students should be able to take seven classes, regardless of elective choice

Almost two months into the second semester, students must start thinking about classes for the next school year. Although some choose to register for the minimum amount of classes to meet graduation requirements, others are striving to learn more by taking more courses. However, SCHS is limiting many students from taking seven classes.

Oftentimes, students are allowed to take seven classes only if they take specific electives, such as journalism, choir or yearbook. However, many students’ interests lie elsewhere, so they should have the choice of taking any seven courses.

For example, freshmen are often guided into taking only six classes, leading to an “easy” freshman year. However, not having a seven-class schedule makes it harder to transition into sophomore year. Some students go from taking two honors classes to six weighted classes. Instead, freshmen should take the opportunity of an “easy” year to complete as many courses required for graduation as possible.

Previously, many sophomores wished to take AP Computer Science Principles but were unable, despite only having six classes. Based on a lottery, only a few sophomore students could take APCSP. The other students were prevented from their ambition to learn and be more exposed to college-level courses.

Consistency should be kept throughout every student and their decisions. Counselors should provide valuable advice but not prohibit any individual from taking a desired class.

Students’ mental health is very important, but students should be able to determine whether they can handle a seven-class workload. Furthermore, students need to understand they should only be taking classes that will benefit them in their future rather than just taking classes to receive a GPA bump. Some classes may be overwhelming for some, but the most crucial part is to let students make their own decisions.

Ultimately, students should have the final choice in taking any class as long as it meets the graduation requirements and the student has completed course prerequisites. If they end up making the wrong decision despite counselors’ advice, students should face the consequences. Learning to overcome obstacles is an important life skill.

In order to appropriately support students’ goals and ambitions, SCHS administration should only guide students into making the right choice rather than preventing them from pursuing more difficult classes.