Electives are an essential part of the high school experience. They allow students to step outside the core curriculum and explore new interests, skills, and potential career paths.
“Weight training has affected my life by making me strong for cross country and track which has improved my times significantly. Weight training has helped me learn how to use weights properly and the impact it can have on my body,” said freshman Abby Mutch.
Beyond personal development, electives also help students connect with one another. These classes can foster friendships and strengthen the school community by creating shared experiences around common interests.
“I think electives influence kids and help form friendships by providing a time in the day to connect with others,” said Mutch.
For many students, choosing an elective is about more than just filling a schedule is about exploring future possibilities. Whether driven by curiosity or career goals, electives help students test the waters in different fields.
“I am definitely looking forward to law and psychology. I’m interested in pursuing a career in law so that’s why I am looking forward to and interested in that and I am just curious what psychology is like and about so I’m just exploring,” said freshmanValentina Feitosa Caramelo.
From an academic standpoint, electives can challenge students to think in new and creative ways.
“I think I’ll take away how to think differently and in different ways and angles because of how new and complex these things are to me,” said Caramelo.
Some electives even become long-term passions. Classes in the arts and technology are often among the most popular, filling up quickly when it comes time to choose.
“I think intro to guitar and digital imaging are definitely fan favorite that fill up fast
I am excited to take psychology and entrepreneurship next year because I think it will help me to figure out what I want to do as a job in the future,” said freshman Ellie Lottes.
Whether students are lifting weights in weight training, exploring the mind in psychology or making sculptures in art, electives play a key role in shaping who they are and who they want to become.
