Students at IHS are generally happy with the variety of classes available. With courses in engineering, music, and an array of science options, there’s a solid foundation to build on. However, compared to some other schools in the area, IHS does fall short in certain areas. Adding more classes could significantly boost school morale, open up career opportunities, and enhance the overall high school experience.
To get a clearer picture, I interviewed a teacher from Chelsea High School, a larger urban school with a wider range of offerings. Although IHS and Chelsea differ in many ways, comparing them highlights areas where IHS shines and areas where it could improve. IHS has strong programs in engineering and music, but we seem to lack initiatives that specifically help students prepare for college and life after high school.
Chelsea High School, on the other hand, offers several programs aimed at future planning, such as Trio, Acceleration Academics, and Bunker Hill. The Trio program helps students with the college application process, including financial aid, college exposure, and career exploration. Acceleration Academics provides hands-on experiences in English and STEM during February and April breaks, offering opportunities to hear from guest speakers and explore potential career paths. Another standout program is Bunker Hill, which allows eligible students to attend Bunker Hill Community College for college-level courses during periods five and six. This experience not only gives students a head start on college credits but also helps them transition smoothly to a college environment.
Implementing similar programs at IHS could better prepare students for college and careers beyond high school. Additionally, students have expressed interest in broadening the selection of language classes. Seniors Tyler and Maddox Sardinas mentioned they’d love to see options like Mandarin and Japanese added to the curriculum. Tyler said, “I would like to see more language classes added. Learning languages like Mandarin, Japanese, or even Latin could give students more opportunities to explore cultures they’re interested in or skills they might use in the future.” He has a point—colleges often look for students with a few years of language study, and knowing even the basics of additional languages can be beneficial for travel or international work.
Another area for growth is expanding the arts curriculum. While IHS does offer solid music classes, several students have expressed interest in courses that go beyond traditional music education. For instance, adding classes in digital music production, film studies, or visual arts could attract students with different creative interests. Providing a wider variety of electives would not only boost enthusiasm but also allow students to discover new talents and hobbies.
Beyond language courses and the arts, many students want to see new electives in life skills and practical training. Junior James Dick, for instance, expressed a desire for a Culinary/Cooking class. “A culinary class could be cool. Learning the basics of cooking and how to make a few meals could be beneficial and also just fun,” he said. Courses like culinary arts could lift students’ spirits, giving them a class to look forward to while also teaching practical life skills. Other students have mentioned wanting electives in areas like auto mechanics, woodworking, or personal finance, where they can learn skills they’ll use every day.
In addition to electives, IHS could consider offering more Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual-enrollment opportunities. Chelsea High’s Bunker Hill program is an excellent example of how dual enrollment can benefit students academically and financially. Earning college credits in high school saves time and money while preparing students for the rigor of college-level work. Expanding IHS’s AP course offerings, particularly in areas like computer science, environmental science, and world history, would allow students to challenge themselves academically and improve their college applications.
Finally, I believe schools should implement more courses that prepare students for life after high school—not only for college but beyond. Many young people step out into the world without a strong grasp of everyday skills, like buying or renting a home, budgeting, understanding taxes, or managing personal finances. Expanding our class offerings to include life skills could make a real difference in setting students up for success. Introducing a dedicated “Adulting 101” class could cover everything from basic home maintenance to navigating the complexities of healthcare and insurance, giving students a more comprehensive education for life outside the classroom.
Expanding IHS’s course options would not just prepare students academically, but also give them the confidence and skills to face the challenges that await after graduation. With a few changes, our school could not only keep pace with others in the area but also become a leader in preparing students for a well-rounded future.
