MAP and Calc AB; new math, science classes gain signups

Although the majority of course selection trends for the 2013-2014 school year remain the same, three programs in particular have received increased interest: the Media Arts Program, the AP Calculus AB course and the Introduction to Engineering and Science Research elective.

MAP has expanded to approximately 360 students, with most of the increase occurring among underclassmen. 

“I think MAP has a strong reputation on campus,” assistant principal Brian Safine said. "The teachers have done a good job coordinating lessons and providing a cohesive experience for students.”

In addition to the growth of MAP, Calculus AB has also seen increased participation.

According to Safine, there are more students interested in Calculus AB because of the recently opened pathway including Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus. As more students finish the class this year, more are enrolling in Calculus AB for the next school, year. 

Besides the increased interest in MAP and in Calculus AB, required classes such as English continue to have the most enrollment. 

Foreign language courses and the music program also remain popular. According to Safine, 680 students are enrolled in Spanish, 215 in Chinese and 150 in French for the 2013-2014 school year. The school’s band, orchestra and marching band electives continue to attract returning and new students.

The 2013-2014 school year will see the addition of two new electives: Introduction to Engineering and Advanced Scientific Research. According to Safine, about 50 students are signed up for the Intro to Engineering class, and 20 are signed up for the Advanced Science Research course. 

"Intro to Engineering has had enough interest to open another section," Safine said. "You don't always get that many students for a new class."