The transition from middle school to high school is very hard. Choosing the classes you are going to take is one of the hardest things to do, and many students struggle with those choices. 

 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? 

      Many students hear the words honors, AP, and dual enrollment, but many of them are not sure what the difference is, or which one is better.   Assistant principal for curriculum Ms. Ceballos says that for dual enrollment “you need to meet the GPA requirements. In Advanced Placement, however any student that does well in their classes and chooses to take an Advanced Placement course may do so, but they might need a teacher recommendation. Also, at the end of an AP course, if a student scores a 3, 4, or 5 in the exam, they actually earn college credits.” 

     Many students have said that AP classes require more work than the rest of the classes. Senior Fernando Quijada says, “In AP classes the course load is heavier, and there is a lot more material than in dual enrollment classes.”  

   Senior Samira Escamilla agrees. She believes the information is more condensed and the pace is faster in AP classes than in dual enrollment and regular classes.  

    Senior Darla Paniagua says, “In honors you focus more on the subject that you are going into or the unit that you are going into. In AP you are taught overall what you need to learn for the test you are going to take.”  

 WHICH ONE IS HARDER? 

     There are many classes in high school, and some are harder than others. Most students believe that AP classes are way harder than dual enrollment and honors. Junior Isabel Cardella says AP classes are harder because they often have a heavier workload. Samira Escamilla agrees and adds, “AP’s are some of the most difficult classes because you have an AP exam at the end.” Junior Rocio Pelaez agrees, saying, “The courses in AP are way more difficult and more is required of you.” 

 TIPS 

     Honors, dual enrollment, and AP classes might be overbearing sometimes, but there are many students who have taken those classes before and can give you tips. Darla Paniagua believes you should take those challenging classes but also thinks you should “know your limits and don’t take 6 AP classes.” She believes these higher-level classes can make you or break you.  Junior Rocio Pelaez agrees and says, “Definitely ask for advice especially from other kids who have taken the class.”  

  MANAGE YOUR TIME 

     With these high level classes comes a lot of responsibility, and students must learn how to manage their time. Senior Samira Escamilla said, “I manage my time by writing down what I have to do. If I have to do assignments for B days, I try to do it a day earlier, instead of doing it the day of. I also try to do my assignments at home, and if I can’t, I do it during my monitor periods.”  

    Some students have things to do after school and have various methods to manage their time. Senior Julianne Rodriguez says, ” It’s hard to manage my time because I also work, but I find time around my classes to do my schoolwork.” Sophomore Mariana Cardenas says, “I have a specific schedule, so I usually do my homework between 5-7 p.m.” 

     Ms. Ceballos recommends, “Be very organized. AP classes move very quickly and so do dual enrollment courses. I always recommend students write down those due dates and work backwards. If you know your assignment is due in October, then you want to make sure in September, you’re working on it little by little. That way, when October comes around, it is already done.” 

 HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT CLASS? 

    Many students believe that to be in high level classes you must be extra smart, but this is far from the truth. Many students in these high-level classes were not always the smartest ones in the room. Julianne Rodriguez says, “In my freshman year I had all regular classes. I slowly built up to honors, and now I only have honor classes.”  Senior Fernando Quijada says, “I took my first 2 AP’s in sophomore year. I took AP Bio and AP Human Geography, but after taking honors classes I wanted to do better, and thus I started taking AP classes and dual enrollment classes.” 

 WHICH ONE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? 

    Many students have a hard time choosing their classes. Students who have already taken these classes have recommendations for anyone who wants to get into these classes. Samira Escamilla recommends “ENC for dual enrollment” and “If you are into STEM, for sure take AP Chemistry and AP Biology. But if you are looking for an easy AP, then take AP Spanish.”  

    Senior Darla Paniagua believes students who want to get into dual enrollment should take “ENC with Dr. DeNight.”  

   Senior Elias Sandoval says, ” I am not sure because AP classes are hard, but if I would have to recommend one, it would be computer science.” Elias believes that computer science is its own world, and everyone can find something they like in that class. 

 AP classes offered at Miami High 

AP English Language & Composition 

AP English Literature & Composition 

AP Statistics 

AP Calculus AB 

AP Calculus BC 

AP Biology 

AP Chemistry 

AP Physics 1 (Algebra based) 

AP Computer Science Principles 

AP Psychology 

AP Macroeconomics 

AP United States History 

AP Human Geography 

AP Music Theory 

AP Capstone Seminar 

AP Capstone Research 

AP Studio Art: 2D Design 

AP Art-Drawing Portfolio 

AP Spanish Language 

AP Spanish Literature 

AP French Language 

AP Italian Language 

Dual Enrollment classes offered at Miami High 

Income Tax/Business Taxes & Returns 

Writing & Rhetoric 1 & 2(ENC) 

Intro to Education/Teaching Diverse Populations (teaching magnet) 

Leadership Skills/Preparing for Student Success 

Preparing for Student Success/Leadership Skills 

Intermediate College Algebra/Finite Math