AP Classes For Sophomores

Can sophomores handle AP classes, or college level courses?  We know that juniors and seniors have been taking AP classes here at T.C. for many years.  T.C. is now offering AP classes for sophomores. The year 2009, brought many changes to T.C. Williams, like giving the students a wider variety of courses. Many sophomores are taking advantage of this opportunity. Others are staying just in Honor classes. This is the first year the T.C. Williams is offering AP classes for sophomores.

“We have always offered them but by extending them we are giving the students more opportunities to earn college credits,” said Dr. Laura Newton. As the head of T.C. guidance office Dr. Newton thinks that she and the rest of the staff department made the right decision and by offering an AP class for sophomores. Dr. Newton thinks that any student who is motivated and works hard will pass the AP exam in May. Even though T.C. is now offering AP classes to sophomores, the only AP class that is being offered to them is AP World History II.

The teachers are another big part of why T.C, is now offering an AP class for sophomores. “The administration and the teachers thought that by adding AP history for sophomores would be also a good addition to the history department,” said Mr. Chris McGill. He is a teacher here at T.C. and he is one of the teachers that teach AP World History. He thinks that the earlier that the students are exposed to college level courses the better they will perform when they go off to college. “The students who are taking advantage of this opportunity will have more items to add to their resumes,” said Mr. McGill.

The course is very challenging but students who are taking this course are very responsible and are stepping up to the plate.  “I am taking AP World History to challenge myself,” said sophomore Matt Longgabaugh. He thinks that the school is doing a wonderful thing by giving the sophomores an opportunity to excel in harder classes. “It is a little bit overwhelming and is a lot of work but this is the only AP class I am taking so I think I can do it,” said sophomore Elaine Bledsoe. She thinks that the AP exam will be very hard, but she thinks that if she studies a lot and works hard she will be able to earn a college credit. “I think that this class has showed me that I can handle anything if I put my mind to it and work hard to get where I am want to be or achieve anything I want,” Said Bledsoe. Some of the teachers that are teaching AP World History think that most of the students who are enroll in this class will pass the AP exam. Most of the students taking this course are very happy with it and are confident that they will do well on the AP exam, an in the class.