With summer nearing, the students at Aliso Niguel High School are given the opportunity to take a summer class. Summer classes intend to help either remediate a class the student failed or help accelerate them to a different class. They also help complete credits for the student to be able to pass and later graduate.
In order to register for a summer class students are advised to speak with their counselors about the class they wish to take. Summer classes are also two semesters long with about 3 weeks per semester.
Ms. Lieger states, “My advice is that if you are planning on having a relaxing summer then you shouldn’t take a summer class. You should only take one if you have time to.”
It is not recommended to take summer school if you have summer plans because there are also tests you have to take in person as well as complete a large amount of work in little time. This stresses out many students and is also another reason not to take summer classes.
Summer courses are also not recommended as much because summer class teachers have many students, and sometimes, it is harder to get one-on-one help.
Ms. Koyama states, “We mostly don’t offer classes for acceleration. It’s more for remediation. For example, freshmen who are becoming sophomores usually take Geometry. Sophomores who are becoming juniors and juniors who are becoming seniors usually take VAPA or language classes during the summer.”
If students accelerate, taking summer classes may be able to get students a free period because they won’t need to take the class anymore. However, underclassmen are still required to take certain classes each year. If students wish to have a free period, it is advised to take a zero period.
Last year, the summer classes were either taken at Capo Valley High School or Saddleback College. Although the courses help make up credits that are needed, it is not heavily advised since the courses can only cover very few topics within the span of three weeks, which helps add to the fact that students are not getting a good grasp on the subject.
Summer classes, as a whole, help many high school students in the long run. It fulfills their criteria needed to graduate as well as serve as a helper in order to get ahead. This golden opportunity opens a door for several other opportunities.
