AP classes are supposed to be some of the hardest classes. They are meant for juniors and seniors according to AP European History teacher, Zachary Fettig. This fact has not stopped around 100 sophomores from taking these difficult classes.

“I think [AP classes] it can be a pretty big challenge to a high school student, because they are typically designed to be a college level course,” Fettig said.

It appears as though these sophomores had little choice in the matter of history classes. The pre-AP option was taken away, so it was either regular or AP History. One sophomore, Brandi Stover, decided to take the AP version, because she wanted to challenge herself. Stover also wanted to have the option to get college credit. Others, like sophomore Jordyn Inman, didn’t take the AP version because the workload from other classes was too great.

“There’s a lot of individual responsibility for the student to read on their own and to do outside work,” Fettig said. “Much more than any other high school class.”

The most challenging part is the amount of work that is necessary to pass an AP class as a high school student. According to Stover, the tests require more studying and preparation. Fettig and Stover both make the point that due dates for the homework are a lot more spread out than a normal class. Going into the future, Fettig hopes that more sophomores, who think they are ready, come and join an AP class.

“I don’t regret taking an AP class at all,” Stover said. “I think it’s a good challenge for me and I’m learning a lot about what kind of skills I need for future college classes.”