Here at Etowah, the vast talent and intelligence displayed amongst the student population more than exceeds expectations, raising the call for more challenging classes: Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Filled with heavy workloads, demanding tests and the ongoing pressure from looming AP exams, these curriculums are quite challenging and may not be for everyone; however, with a little elbow grease, most everyone is sure to find an AP class at Etowah perfect for them.  

At Etowah, many AP social studies courses are available for students in all grade levels, each curriculum offering a unique approach to history’s true meaning. During sophomore year, students have the option to take AP World History, a fan-favorite for Etowah’s history buffs. Current and past students have credited this class to be extremely worthwhile, as it provides a wonderful glance at the world before modern times whilst serving as a very satisfactory first AP class. Additionally, AP United States History is a marvelous steppingstone for Etowah’s juniors, followed by one-semester classes AP Government and AP Economy to be taken in students’ senior year.  

“AP World is often the first AP class that a lot of students take at [Etowah]. It can feel challenging in the beginning because you are learning skills that are very different from what you are used to, but we work every day towards helping students prepare for the exam. We have an excellent pass rate: 90% of our current juniors pass the class, and 97% of our current senior class passed,” Kristy Wiggins, Etowah’s AP World History teacher, said.  

For Etowah’s students favoring books and pens over calculators, both AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition are perfect choices. These classes provide crucial reading and writing skills, giving students a chance to practice their creativity word-wise. Straying away from core classes, however, various electives falling under the AP category seem to be exceedingly popular amongst the student population. For example, many choose to follow the AP Capstone route, taking AP Seminar their junior year and AP Research their senior year with Etowah AP Seminar teacher Donell Osborne and Etowah AP Research teacher John Murnan. This program significantly boosts students’ research and writing skills, allowing them to collaborate on projects of their choice and learn amazing skills colleges adore.  

“AP Seminar really provides valuable research skills that can be applied to so many other APs. It is also just a fun environment with Osborne, and [it] really teaches you how to collaborate with a team,” Lauren Bryant, junior, said.  

Etowah takes its STEM program very seriously, providing students with countless AP options concerning all things math and science. Science courses including AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Physics welcome academically driven students proudly, allowing them to see up close the science they most willingly gravitate to (pun intended). Additionally, many AP math classes are available for students, a most notable one being Enhanced Advanced Algebra and AP Precalculus open to sophomores willing to brave the challenging course load. Many students currently taking the class report that they find it exceedingly challenging, especially for an AP class; even so, many claim that the class provides excellent opportunities to take initiative, giving the rigorous class a definite bright side.  

“In my opinion, I think that the AP math class is a great class for those that enjoy doing math and just want to have a more accelerated learning pace. If you just put in the time and effort, you will be fine. You just have to be committed to it. It is also beneficial as you not only finish Algebra II, but also AP Precalculus in just one year. This allows you to take a wide variety of rigorous classes, such as AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Physics C,” Brian Devedzhiev, sophomore, said.  

Etowah was made for every kind of student; naturally, its available courses follow the same path, giving each unique scholar an opportunity to find a class perfectly fit for them. With AP exams just around the corner, Etowah wishes all AP students good luck as they take all that they have learned to CollegeBoard.