The Benefits of AP Classes for Students

With the addition of AP World History for freshmen to the large catalog of AP classes at Penn High School, students and parents are wondering: why take these classes over the non-AP options?

According to AP Central and the Princeton Review, taking AP classes in high school not only gives you the opportunity to earn college credits and to boost your transcript, but also prepares you for the pacing and style of content that you may experience in a college classroom. Starting coursework such as this in high school builds the skills and confidence needed for academic success while giving you an opportunity to study what you enjoy. 

When Mr. Irons, Penn High School AP World History teacher, was asked why he thinks it is important for students to take AP courses, he said, “AP classes offer a real challenge to students – a challenge that many students haven’t experienced before – to expand their knowledge, critical thinking, and time management skills.”

Mr. Irons emphasizes how, although it is very important for his students to develop skills such as these through his class, he also wants his students to become better people as a result. “I care deeply that my students recognize themselves as members of a community,” he said. 

Not only are there benefits seen from the teacher perspective of an AP class, but also from the student perspective. Penn High School Freshman Makayla Hill, who is currently taking the AP World History class, said that some of the pluses of taking an AP course are that you get to earn college credit and therefore won’t have to take the class again in the future. 

As well as that, she said, “it’s a good environment.” She explains that the class itself, aside from discussions, is pretty quiet, with not a lot of talking between peers, making it a calm environment to work in. “If you are up for a challenge, this is a good class to take.” 

So, regardless of if you are planning to attend college or not, taking an AP class has many benefits for all students, inside and outside of the classroom. Whether it is the college credit you are interested in, or you just want a challenge in a subject you enjoy, taking an AP classes will provide many benefits.