As we wave goodbye to the school year of 2019-20, Melrose High School and staff are introduced to a new future of classes and education model. The Melrose High School currently has a wide variation of class levels- College Preparatory (CP), Honors (H), Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE) and more. Each level of class impacts a student's weighted Grade Point Average in different severities. However, incoming freshmen are faced with fewer options than upperclassmen. According to the current rising freshman, CP and Honors classes have been molded into one with an honors level curriculum to add his/her schedule. Families of the Class of 2024 will have to choose from unleveled classes in some core subjects and supplementary classes, in which the unleveled classes is curriculum of Honors level.

The process of unleveling classes has been floated around the PTO and High School administration for years, however, it’s implementation will first be applicable to the Class of 2024. This implementation will unlevel ELA, Biology, and World History classes. However, according to Melrose High School Principal Jason Merrill, “9th graders will still take the next Math course in the sequence; either Algebra 1 or Geometry. Students will then move into either College Prep, Honors, or Advanced Placement in grades 10, 11, and 12.” Therefore, incoming freshman will only have the option to take the honors curriculum class or Advanced Placement classes in their core subjects, with those conditions applied. Melrose High School is already a black sheep in regards to their history department, however, as AP European History and AP Biology within the science department were both offered with an exam to see if incoming freshman would be able to take the course.

Creating a universal curriculum at an honors level for classes has received mixed reviews. The changes fall in line with the personalized learning adaptations that Melrose High School is implementing into their curriculum. By combining College Preparatory and Honors classes, students enrolled within those classes will each receive the same high demand curriculum that will be tested on the MCAS test administered by the state. The New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges asks schools to offer common, heterogeneous classes for all students, therefore, this new format will ensure that all students receive the same challenging curriculum, and equity is attained. Advanced Placement classes are not affected by this, as the curriculum and Advanced Placement exams are facilitated by an outside non-profit, the CollegeBoard. Unleveling classes will also guarantee better-sized classes for students and teachers. By unleveling classes for 9th graders, students will be able to learn and adapt to an improved caliber, and then determine which level of class is right for them when entering 10th grade. Incoming freshman Sadie Nowik gave her thoughts on the unleveling of certain classes, citing, "I don't think classes should be unleveled. Unleveled classes gives the option of CP classes or AP classes, I don't want to take an AP class as a freshman but if I don't I'll only have taken CP classes which will negatively affect my transcript. I've taken the option of doing all CP classes with one AP, but I'm concerned about the workload for the AP class. Honors classes seem to be the best option for everyone I've talked to, but that is no longer an option. I think they should bring back leveled classes." Results of this years unleveling will likely indicate whether or not unleveling classes will be continued for future classes. However, misconceptions were cleared up after hearing from Mr Daly, citing, "The unleveled curriculum will be the honors curriculum in all freshman courses. Incoming freshman had the opportunity to take qualifying exams to enrolled in AP European History and/or AP Biology (We do not currently offer AP World History). Students that did not meet the requirements for AP courses (a college-level course) as a freshman have the opportunity to take them as a sophomore, junior, and senior." Therefore, incoming freshman should not worry about taking unleveled courses during their first year at Melrose High School.

Unleveling classes is not unheard of within Middlesex County. Other high-achieving high schools have unleveled classes in 9th grade including Lexington High School, Watertown High School, and Wakefield Memorial High School. Many other districts are moving in this direction. By unleveling 9th grade classes, the Melrose High School administration hopes to ensure equality for students by the administration of a single curriculum, equal preparation for the state’s MCAS test administration, as well as setting all students on a path to success in Melrose High School by fostering a high-demand curriculum for all students.

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