New Advanced Classes Challenges Students

By: Jenna Jenkerson

October 7, 2024

Students can enroll in more advanced classes with the introduction of four new Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) classes. These classes allow students to learn advanced curriculum. The new AP and DE classes are DE Biology 2, AP African American History and English 10: AP Seminar. They join a multitude of AP, DE and Advanced classes offered.  

Planning for the classes started as early as the middle of the last school year. Jenny Simpson, one of the two English 10: AP Seminar teachers said it was introduced to English teachers last year.  

“We received an e-mail halfway through the year last year saying that this was an option and asking who was interested in teaching it,” said Simpson. “And I immediately replied and said “yes” because my background is very heavily in research, and I love teaching research and critical thinking for students.”  

This class is also new to Prince William County Schools. English 10: AP Seminar is unique compared to the other options given to 10th graders. While General English 10 and Advanced English 10 focus mostly on literature and argumentative writing, English 10: AP Seminar emphasizes that students see things from all types of perspectives. 

“We do a lot of debating and arguing, but right now we're specifically focusing on lenses,” says Simpson. “So, trying to teach our brains to think of the world not in black and white, but look at the shades of gray throughout everything.” 

Sana Wakilzada is taking English 10: AP Seminar. This is her first year taking AP classes and she decided to take the class because an opportunity to take AP for one of her core classes intrigued her. She said she enjoys the class because of its rich discussions.  

“This class is always like a game of ping pong, when you knock your thoughts in, someone is there to counter, agree or add onto it,” said Wakilzada. “It’s very rewarding and fun because the whole class feels like a big community where all our voices and thoughts are heard and considered to the conversation.” 

A controversial class due to its ban in Florida, AP African American Studies is a Senior only history elective where students learn about the history of African Americans in the United States.  

“I want them to appreciate U.S. history from the African American POV,” said Matthew McDonald, who teaches the course. “I know I cannot completely offer the space where African American students can be 100% open and honest and that a teacher who is African American can.  However, I think I bring a vast knowledge and willingness to make class as trusting and engaging as possible for my students.”  

Jordan Fischer ‘25, a student taking AP African American Studies, however, believes that you can talk freely in the class.  

"[It is] just amazing being around people that you share experiences with,” said Fischer. “You don't have that the idea that somebody's going to judge me for saying this and thinking this or somebody's going to argue me.” 

Also offered this year is Biology 2 DE, a college level advanced biology courses worth 3 credits through a partnership with NOVA.