An Advanced Placement class, or more commonly known as AP classes, are courses available to high school students in many schools that allow people to take college-level courses and exams. Blind Brook High School offers many of these AP classes, ranging from AP English Literature and Composition to AP Macroeconomics. AP classes available at BBHS assume positions in many areas of study: humanities, sciences, mathematics, history, arts. AP classes are commonly selected by Blind Brook students to add into their schedules in order to demonstrate rigor and develop skills necessary for college such as critical thinking and time management. Many students at Blind Brook will take at least one AP class throughout their high school career. Even though Blind Brook is on the smaller side, there is a wide spectrum of opinions on the AP course offerings given in the school, varying from limited selection to wide selection and lighter work to heavier work. Many students were asked to share their opinions on AP Course Offerings at Blink Brook High School and here is what they responded:
“I think the course offerings at Blind Brook for AP classes are fine for juniors and seniors. I just wish that I had more opportunities as a sophomore to take an AP course other than just AP Human Geography” (Jake Radwaner, 11th grade).
“While our school does have very limited options and we don’t have things like IB classes, we think our school still has a wide variety of options to choose from and each student is able to pick a class that fits their interests” (Alexa Saladino and Lily Wolf, 11th grade).
“The courses can be limited due to the small population of students in Blind Brook High School” (Abby Vinikor, 10th grade).
“I think AP government is a great class because I’m very interested in the functions of our government and I am excited for Mr. Lewis to teach me about it” (Matthew Grossman, 11th grade).
”There is a good amount of variation with the AP course offerings throughout our high school careers” (Livia Sherman, 10th grade).
As stated before, there is much to say about the AP courses offered at Blind Brook, each person describing their opinions differently. However, a common trend emerges among most of the students, which is reflecting the common belief of high school students. Being a small school, there aren’t as many course offerings, but for what it is, there is a good selection where everyone can find something that is appealing to them and their preferred area of study.
There is always going to be a tradeoff with any school. Many parents chose Blind Brook for the quality of the education, and are drawn to the small town. However, within a small town there is less course availability since there are not enough students to fill the plethora of potential AP courses. Schools in neighboring towns with much larger student bodies can offer more AP courses that are unrealistic to add at our school. A general consensus is that students find there to be a large enough variety of AP courses that they can adequately challenge themselves, despite their desire for some other classes in addition.