As the school year comes to an end, many students at Aliso Niguel High School have already planned out how they’re going to stay focused and productive over the summer. One choice that many students are drawn to is enrolling in courses at Saddleback College, located in Mission Viejo. These classes give students equal and extra opportunities to earn college credit, explore academic interests, and also get ahead before the next school year.
The most popular classes amongst ANHS students are standard education classes. Courses such as English, Algebra I or US History are all filling up quickly because they allow students to complete the required graduation requirements early. By seizing the opportunity to take these classes, students can free up space in their schedules during the school year, lessening the stress and the workload.
Along with the general classes, a portion of students are enrolling in science courses such as Biology, Environmental Science and Chemistry. All of these classes are mostly taken by students who intend to pursue STEM-related fields or simply want to reduce the number of classes they have next year. Due to science classes being time-consuming during the school year, taking them at school allows for schedule flexibility.
Another group of students is choosing elective-based courses. For example, classes such as Psychology and Economics are courses that have grown increasingly popular. Both of these subjects allow students to explore potential future career paths or to simply learn more about their personal interests that don’t directly align with their high school curriculum. For some, these electives are a way to see what they may want to major in during college.
There has been a noticeable increase in students taking hybrid or online classes. These accommodating options let students complete work on their own time while still being able to enjoy summer activities. Classes such as Public Speaking are generally offered in this type of class dynamic, making them a flexible option for students.
Some of the classes that ANHS students are taking this summer include Geometry I, Algebra II, Chemistry, Entrepreneurship and Sociology. This selection of classes shows the dynamic range of academic benefits from taking summer courses who are not just getting ahead in subjects, but also exploring new areas of interest.
Musawer Afzal (10) shared, “I’m excited to be taking geometry over the summer, I’ll be able to get ahead in math, which I’ve been wanting to focus on.”
In general, the diversity of classes that ANHS students are taking at Saddleback College reflects a shift in teens towards using the summer time for academic achievement. Whether it is focusing on required courses or personal interests, students are utilizing opportunities that will benefit them in the future.
