New AP Environmental Science and AP Computer Science classes are available next year for the first time for FHSD high schools but only online. Having the classes is something that the District has been looking forward to for a few years, but the process of making them available has been in the works over the past year.

“We wanted to be able to give our students more options in addition to their seven courses that will be beneficial and will help them to work on their own,” Principal Tony Grippi said.

Students registered for these classes through parent portal during registration, but they will be available for years to come. Both courses last the entire school year unless the student receives a grade below a C; if this happens, the student will be given the option of dropping the class. Depending on the District’s budget allowance, FHSD hopes to have more online classes available for students in the future.

Junior Matt Schneider, who signed up for AP Environmental Science, explained that he’s expecting this class to help him better prepare for the AP test. Schneider also expects the class to have a more flexible schedule as opposed to in-school classes.

“It will really be convenient to be able to take the class on my own time instead of being stuck to a schedule,” Schneider said.

According to Guidance Counselor Stephanie Johnson, the classes can help prepare students for the future. The class doesn’t have a teacher, so students will also have to adapt to reading off of a monitor. Depending on how well the student does on the AP test and the standards a college has, test scores can be counted as college credit. The AP test isn’t online, and the location for the test at this time is unknown.

“I definitely think it will be harder to learn without the presence of an actual teacher there to help,” junior Tyler Ludwig, who signed up for AP Environmental Science, said.

In Johnson’s opinion, those who are very self-motivated, enjoy rigorous coursework, are strong in the subject and willing to put in a lot of extra time and effort in order to do well should take advantage of the classes.