For schools where U.S. history is taken in 9th, do students have to be recommended by their 8th grade history teacher to take APUSH? Or can they sign up for it if they think they’re up to it?

My son is in 9th grade APUSH this year at Poolesville. It's hard, but okay. He got an A first semester (but not in functions). He has it 8th period, so it is all SMCS students.

Anonymous wrote:Can you ask if your kid can take AP NSL in 9th grade? It is much easier than APUSH, and depending on how it goes kid can enroll in APUSH in 10th. (NSL is the norm in 9th is the norm in most MCPS HS.)

US history in 9th grade is what Blair does as well. I think the rationale for this is that MCPS does US history in 8th grade, so having US history in 9th grade would build upon that foundation. The real question between honors US history and APUSH is if your kid is a fast reader and a competent, analytical writer (the teacher will not help with these) to withstand the extra coursework while in the SMCS program.

Can you ask if your kid can take AP NSL in 9th grade? It is much easier than APUSH, and depending on how it goes kid can enroll in APUSH in 10th. (NSL is the norm in 9th is the norm in most MCPS HS.)

It will make no difference for college, believe me. There is a lot of reading. If your child enjoys reading about history it will be a good class to take. If your child finds this tedious don't do it. It will create unnecessary stress.

Depends if they have any intention to go to a top college. If so, you need to show rigor. The way you do this is to take the top classes in each subject available. Of 20% of kids take APUSH and yours takes honors, it does not show demonstrates rigor (because yes, your kid is competing against every other student in their grade for spots at top colleges)

Apush is one of the hardest classes. My kid who likes APs skipped it. You know your kid best. The transition to high school was something, not bad, just a change. I say let them have fun for one year then grind it out.

OP-- this topic (APUSH vs honors, not specific to Poolesville) is discussed several times a year in this forum. You'll get a lot of opinions if you search "APUSH."

yes

Questions about Poolesville SMCS program’s 9th grade social studies: The choices are Honors US History vs AP US History.

1) Given the transition to HS, should Honors USH be considered?
2) Is there an advantage taking AP USH?


Thank you.