Saber Slate’s Top Classes

by | Dec 9, 2019 | Opinion & Reviews

Hey freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, it’s almost time to submit your classes for the 2020-21 school year! As you’re looking at what courses to take on Xello, you’ll notice that there are hundreds of classes to choose from. To help you pick out the most beneficial (and fun!) classes, the Saber Slate has come up with a list of their top picks. 

#1 Recommendation: Free Block (Seniors Only)

  • It’s relaxing to have a break from classwork to leave school, do homework, catch up on sleep, hang out with friends… you name it!
  • If you qualify for a free block, take it. This should be an automatic pick. Even if you don’t have the means to go home during the school day, it’s still relaxing to just hang out in the library and not have to go to any classes.
  • Additionally, there are coffee makers in the library, you just need to bring your own mug and K-Cups. 

Art

  • Ceramics 1
    • Recommend this for students who are into art and like creating, or for students who want an interesting class
    • Nice and creative

Business

  • Personal Finance 
    • Recommended for: Everyone
    • You’ll actually use that kind of math later in life
    • Super helpful for budgeting, writing checks, buying cars, etc.
    • Either way, it’s going to be required for students graduating in the next few years

Engineering and Architecture

  • Programming 
    • Recommend this for students who want to find out how computers, websites, and software work
    • Get to write your own programs! 
    • If you’re strong in the logic used in math (especially algebra/calc), you’ll be strong in the logic used in programming
    • It really makes you think!

English

  • Film as Literature
    • You get to watch movies. Enough said.
  • Creative Writing
    • Explore all different types of writing
    • A great break from essay writing
    • Plenty of work time in class, barely any outside of class work 
  • AP Literature 
    • Get to read all types of fiction works from novels, plays, poetry

Enriched Virtual/Online

  • Take them, you can leave school
  • Work at your own pace

Math

  • Calc BC 
    • If you get recommended, you should sign up
      • It’s a really fun class
    • Related to physics
    • Super interesting, can be tough at times but you get to find out how certain equations are derived, how they relate to each other, and other cool calc concepts

Music

  • Band is fun if you’re willing to commit to marching band! 
  • Everyone should take at least one music class
    • Intro to Piano, Studio Tech or something, and Creating Music
    • Everyone listens to music so why not try to understand it a little better
    • More interesting/creative class than most of the academic classes
  • If you are in a choral or instrumental music class, you should always try to audition for the top ensemble, why not?
  • AP Music Theory
    • If you are good in music, then consider taking AP Music Theory
    • You get to understand music in a deeper way and it will help you in your normal music classes if you take them
    • But it can be a difficult AP course and there is some singing involved

PE/Health

  • Weight Training
    • It’s a very fun class
    • There isn’t a lot of running involved
    • Most days it’s kind of a free period to work out in the weight room
    • Also, learn about muscles which can relate to different science degrees
  • Dance 
    • Not your traditional PE class
    • More relaxation than sweating 
    • Come up with your own dances to the music of your choice at the end of each quarter
    • Get to do yoga and meditation (it really does help with stress relief!)
  • Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • You get to learn a bunch of different stretches and exercises
    • You learn different ways to stay healthy 
    • Practice meditation and yoga

Science

  • Forensic Science
    • Very interesting. It’s like being in a CSI show
    • Some parts can get kind of gross (such as looking at maggots)
      • I will be forever scarred by that class, but I still recommend
  • AP Chemistry 
    • It’s a tough class, no kidding, but the concepts and labs are so interesting and fun since you get to use all different types of chemicals

Social Studies

  • Practical Law
    • Best class
    • Mock trials are so fun
    • Need to know your rights!
    • Mr. Doucette is real cool
  • AP Psych 
    • Easiest AP class
    • Learn about how your brain works 
  • AP Macro
    • It’s a semester, and it’s an AP class
    • Learn about relevant economics
    • Helps you understand the economics talked about in the news and in politics
    • Relevant for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur, and quite honestly, anyone who wants to have a job in the future

World Language

  • Any of them 
    • Interesting to learn how other cultures and languages are similar/different than ours
    • Exposes you to different types of people, countries, etc.
    • Makes you appreciate the diversity in our world
    • 2-3 years minimum required for most colleges… why not take it for free in high school? 
    • Make new friends 
    • You get to travel to different countries!

Internship/Aide Block

  • Youth Apprenticeship 
    • Find out what you really do on a typical work day in your interested field
    • Even if you end up not wanting to major in that field, at least you have that experience
    • Awesome for resumes/college apps
    • Can be paid!

These are just our top recommendations. We highly recommend you take at least some of these classes and explore the different courses our school has to offer, but in the end, the choice is up to you!