Reply to Why isn't there more challenge in the MCPS HS curriculum?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My DC is not a genius, but a very motivated student who thrives on higher expectations and challenge.  I feel like at each stage of education - higher elementary, middle, and now HS this year - I get my hopes up that now's the moment where DC will finally be appropriately challenged - finally entering HS! - only to have hopes dashed again.

The next stage where I'm hoping this takes a turn for the better is Junior year (IB diploma program).  Please do not tell me I am going to have hopes dashed again!

There is one bright spot this year: AP NSL.  DC is absolutely loving this class, and excelling in it.  Finally a level of challenge appropriate to interest and abilities.  Sadly, this is the only such class this year.  Why are there not more classes taught at this level in Freshman/Sophomore years?!!!

Why is it this way?!![/quote]

Schools differ on what kids are advised to take, but you can sometimes buck the recommendations.  DD took APUSH as a 9th grader and it was the only challenging course that year (and it was a ton of work).  Is in AP NSL this year and it is so much easier by comparison.  When I looked at their textbook, I was very disappointed--looks like a middle school course to me.  But your school may be teaching it differently.  AP Physics 1 has been pretty challenging.  Spanish 4-5 (two years of spanish taught on one year) is somewhat challenging (probably the appropriate pace-- closer to the pace of college level language courses).  AP computer science principles was a joke, but I've heard that AP Java is very difficult.   None of the "honors" designated courses have been at all challenging.

For next year (or next term, if there is still time), add a couple more AP classes.  The other classes will still be easy, but your DC will be working hard on the APs and happy to have relief on the others.[/quote]

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