The first day of highschool for sophomore Riegen Anderson was nervewracking as she walked into her advanced algebra III class of 30 other students that were all older than her.
“I felt a little nervous, but I was excited to be with students that were older than me,” said Anderson. “I mean it’s a lot harder, but it’s worth it.”
Students who excel in certain areas have the option of advancing to higher levels.
“I don’t even notice that I’m one of the only sophomores in there,” said Makayla McFerrin, who is a sophomore. While some students may struggle, math has always come somewhat easily to Anderson and McFerrin.
“I definitely have way more homework in the advanced classes, and it requires a lot more time,” said McFerrin when comparing her regular classes to her advanced ones. However, the underclassmen are not the only ones affected.
“Honestly, I don’t even notice the sophomores in my classes. I treat everyone in there the same,” said junior Fernanda Montufar.
While some students are challenging themselves with tough classes just because it’s what they were told to do, others have a more long-term goal type of mindset.
“I plan on getting a bunch of college credit and also make it easier to get scholarships,” said Mckenzie Williams.
Advanced classes may overwhelm and stress students out, but the pay off later on down the road is worth the challenge.
“Dedication, time, patience, and commitment are what it takes,” said Anderson.