Q: (Initially posted on February 11, 2003) FROM MENTEE ERIN R. IN KY
In Kentucky, there is going to be a major budget cut
in education. Because of this, my school might take
away all AP classes offered. I was wondering, are
there any other classes I could take that would
challenge me more than the regular ones?

February 12, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR KATHERINE DRENNON IN KY
I am sorry to hear that AP classes will be eliminated from your school. My high school had almost done that before my senior year, because they felt they were helping only the most advanced students and didn't offer anything to help the students falling behind (duh!). But we petitioned the school board to get the classes to remain, so that is my first suggestion: Have parents, teachers, students and community leaders sign a petition to keep your AP classes intact. Argue that your school is charged with perparing students for college, and AP classes are the best way to prepare students for the rigors to come.

If that doesn't work, then I have another alternative: go to college. Not on a full time basis, mind, but part time to suppliment your high school. You should be able to work it out with your high school principal and guidance counsellor to allow college courses to count as high school credits. For instance, if you took the first level of college history to count as your US history or world civ class. You could take the first biology course (minus lab work) to count as an upper level biology course, or take an elective, like art history or a social science. Many of the 100 level courses are advanced enough to challenge a high schooler, but easy enough not to overwhelm you. I personally took world civ and psychology during the summers after my freshman and sophomore years (respectively) in high school, and did very well. If there is a university or community college nearby, and you can drive from there to school, this might be an option for you.
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A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON IN IL
Hi, Erin,
When I was in high school (Yes, it was a LOOOONG time ago!!), we didn't have AP
courses. I knew some students who actually went to a Junior College and took
some extra courses there. If you have a Junior College nearby, that is an
option. You may even be able to go to a daytime class, if you can work it into
your schedule and work it out with your school administrators. You may want to
get involved in the legislation. Get your fellow students to sign petitions and
send it into your Congressman or Congresswoman. Seeing your enthusiasm and how
much you care about it, could save your AP Program.