Caption: Freshman Eric Zhang submits the required paperwork in order to be approved for the Honors Program of the 2024-2025 school year. [by Dr. Cristina Meier]
by Liam Schimenes
As the first quarter concludes, high school students can begin their honors program. This program has specific GPA requirements for admission: a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for one honors course, 3.3 for two honors courses, and 3.5 for three honors courses. Additionally, students must achieve at least 80% in the respective class to qualify.
For humanities subjects, such as English, Portuguese, Bible and History, essays are a mandatory part of the admission process. These essays help assess the students’ critical thinking and writing skills.
The honors program sees a significant drop in participation, with about 30% of students starting but not finishing the program. This highlights the challenging nature of the courses and the commitment required to succeed.
The program is offered only within year long classes at the highest level. Notably, there are no honors courses available if a subject is marked with a “P.”
Faculty members are generally willing to work and meet the honors students. However, the lack of fixed meeting times often results in these sessions taking place during lunchtime, which can be inconvenient for some students.
Students like freshman Enzo Viccari expressed a willingness to meet with teachers, although it can be challenging for athletes who have sports commitments during free periods. However, students see the rewards of taking an honors class as being worth the challenges they should face.
Honors students have opportunities to explore subjects in greater depth than in regular classes. Specific scholarships and financial aid can also become a possibility for specific colleges and universities that are looking for that kind of academic distinction among their student application pool. The honors program also helps prepare students for future endeavors beyond high school studies.
The honors program aims to prepare students for college level classes or employment by offering rigorous academic experience during high school. At PACA there are classes that students are most likely to choose because they are the most popular honors courses.
At the same time, certain teachers have set a cap on how many students can join the honors portion of their class. Mr. Lucas Ham Swisher has said he accepts up to five students in his honors program for Bible this year.
Among the available honors courses, students are most likely to choose Science, English, History, Math and Bible.
The honors program offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for students who are willing to put in the effort and dedication required to succeed.
