High school and its grade/class system is generally very different from middle and elementary school. It mixes grades, provides more opportunities for certain grades, and allows more freedom in class choice and takeage. But even then, each grade generally gives the student a very different experience. So what are the differences?
Freshmen, or 9th grade, is the first grade of high school. For many students, it is a major shift year from middle school, whether it be due to the systems it has, the mixing of grades in classes, or sometimes a social and cultural shift, the contrast of middle to high school is major. Many freshmen spend their 1st year adapting to and learning these changes.
Sophomore year is one of the two middle years, and generally a year warming you up to upperclassmen year, according to students. “There’s definitely more classes and harder work than last year.” Sophomore Isaac Hasselblad said in regards to how sophomore year is different from other years he’s done. “I also did State Testing starting this year, so that’s different. I would say it’s just a year getting you into the grind, I suppose.”
Junior year, for many, is considered one of the biggest and sometimes most difficult years. Being an upperclassmen, you get access to tons of more opportunities, from more scholarships to off campus lunches to programs such as Running Start. But with these opportunities comes harder classes to choose from, like AP US History, or higher math classes like Algebra 2 or AP Pre Calc. It is generally one of the most difficult years of education for the majority of students, but the opportunities and freedom you gain is also something that cannot be ignored.
Senior year is a year of reflection for most. By this year, the majority of students already have most core credits done, and as a result are able to choose more creative or fun electives and classes. “Yeah,” Senior Chase Vinson said in regards to whether he is enjoying his senior year or not. “I feel like I enjoy it. I just have more to do, and like, they help you with what you need to pass. And you have, like, the experience, you know what I’m saying?”
Overall, each grade has their ups and downs. From new experiences to difficulty of work to the amount of opportunities you have, each teaches you a new lesson or puts you through a new challenge or moment. Each grade holds its importance, though, and helps students learn in many ways.
