The Differences Between AP, Honors, and Regular Level Courses By: Morgan Brazille Students all over Panther Creek are feeling stressed with all of the work being piled on as the second quarter sets off. There seems to be one common question among all students: what is the difference between the levels of classes? The classes that are believed to be the most difficult at Panther Creek are the AP level courses. Mr. Baldwin, an AP environmental science teacher, explained that students who are getting ready to enter an AP level course should “be ready to make a commitment to spend an extra 1-2 hours a night for each AP class if they are going to be successful.” While this fact does tend to make most students a bit nervous, there are also plenty of opportunities to get assistance with homework during the new SMART lunch program. However, a higher level course isn’t required to be successful in high school. In fact, Mr. Baldwin said that if the student makes the most of the opportunities presented in any level class, then all of the classes have an equal level of benefits. For those students who are either too young to take an AP course or that don’t want to make such a large time commitment, there are also honors and academic level courses. Ms. Smelko, an Algebra II and honors geometry teacher, explained that she expects students in an honor level class to already understand the basics and be ready to get into the deeper part of math. Those students who take an academic level course will be given more time to understand the basics and probably won’t go as deep into the subject. Ms. Smelko agreed with Mr. Baldwin when she explained that, although AP level courses are good preparation for college, they are not required to be successful. It seems to be that if a student works hard and takes advantage of all opportunities available in the class, then they will do well. Students at Panther Creek are always working their hardest to try and get ahead so that they can be successful in their high school careers. When asked what people can do to prepare for and be successful in AP level and honors level classes, Mr. Baldwin and Ms. Smelko agreed on the fact that if students work as hard as they possibly can and make it a point to get the help that they need when they need it, then they will do well in their classes. Panther Creek is a school full of opportunities to help the students get the most out of their high school experience. No matter what level course you are taking, if you give your best effort on everything, then you will be successful in the future. Although AP and honors level classes would be beneficial to getting ready for college, being in an academic level course can be equally beneficial.