High school offers students a wider variety of class options than they had in middle or elementary school, ranging from a large selection of regular courses to Honors classes. Honors classes would be a great option for students who want to prepare for college or challenge themselves academically. But what sets honors classes apart from regular classes; are they worth the extra effort? A deeper dive into what makes honors classes unique and what benefits they offer will help determine whether they are the right choice for you.
Generally speaking, regular classes are designed to meet the basic high school requirements and ensure that students have a solid understanding of core subjects. These classes are meant to help students master essential skills, which makes them a great fit for students who want to maintain a balanced workload or are more focused on extracurricular activities.
In contrast, honors classes offer a more rigorous course experience. Honors courses have a curriculum that dives deeper into the chosen subject, and they often move at a faster pace while covering topics in greater depth. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, colleges look favorably on students who take challenging courses because they “demonstrate a commitment to learning and a readiness for college-level work.” Honors classes are an excellent way for students to stretch their abilities and show colleges that they take their education seriously.
There are several notable differences between Honors classes and regular classes, including the scope of material covered. Honors classes do not stop after covering the basics; they go beyond the standard curriculum to encourage students to think critically and engage with more complex material. These courses are designed to encourage students to think creatively and analytically, skills that will be invaluable in college and beyond.
Debbie Stokes, a science teacher with Excelsior Classes, stated that an “[h]onors class presents material at a more detailed and deeper level than a regular high school class. Students in an honors class are expected to be able to digest larger amounts of information in a quicker time frame and also to understand and analyze more complicated aspects of the subject matter presented. In turn, tests and assignments in an honors class would assess this larger and more detailed information.” She also emphasized that, “an honors class is not merely a class where more assignments are given, such as written papers and projects, but it is instead about the amount and detail of the information presented and the student’s ability to master that information successfully.” This shows that honors classes focus not only on volume but on depth, requiring students to demonstrate a thorough understanding and mastery of complex content.
Jenny Cutler, an English instructor with Excelsior Classes, mentioned that “for a literature class, a general course might take a work and cover the basic meaning and literature elements found within it. An honors course, however, might require students to analyze, connect, research, or draw conclusions that require deeper interaction with the material.” She also noted, “Honors classes require wrestling with the material on a deeper level—which usually takes more time and requires more out-of-class effort than a basic high school course load would entail.” This highlights the additional commitment and effort needed to succeed in an honors course, where students must engage with the material more intensively and thoughtfully.
One of the most significant advantages of taking honors classes in high school is the potential they have to boost your GPA. Several high schools use a weighted GPA scale for Honors and AP classes, which means that an A in an honors class can be worth 4.5 instead of the standard 4.0. This weighting system rewards students for challenging themselves with more difficult courses and results in a positive impact on student’s overall high school GPAs. This can be very appealing to students who are in a competitive scholarship situation.
According to a study by the College Board, students who take rigorous courses in high school often achieve higher GPAs and are better prepared for college. In competitive college admissions, a strong GPA combined with a history of challenging coursework can make a substantial difference, helping students stand out in a positive way.
One of the main benefits of taking honors classes is that they provide students with a sample of what college-level work is like while they are still in high school. This sets students up for success by preparing them for the often demanding workload of higher education. By developing crucial skills like time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving, students are able to build a strong academic foundation that will serve them well in college.
Additionally, honors courses help students develop valuable skills like research, analysis, and communication. These are not only critical for college, but also in the vast majority of careers. Honors classes teach students to approach problems analytically, communicate their ideas clearly, and manage their time effectively — all of which are essential skills for future success. Honors classes give students a chance to see what they’re capable of, which can encourage them to pursue other academic and personal goals with confidence.
For students who are preparing for college, honors classes are a great way to prepare for the types of work and expectations you could encounter. The skills developed in these courses make the transition to college much smoother. A study conducted by the College Board shows that students who take honors courses in high school “tend to perform better in college and are more likely to complete their degrees on time.” The workload and pace in these advanced classes reflect what college classes are like, which makes them one of the best ways to prepare for future academic challenges.
Honors classes are a major commitment, so here are a few things to consider before committing to taking Honors classes:
The class pacing and workload are also different in honors courses, as honors classes run at an accelerated pace that requires students to keep up with the challenging assignments and additional projects or outside reading. This extra workload does pay off, as a study conducted by the National Survey of Student Engagement noted that there is a “positive impact for honors classes on reflective and integrative learning, use of learning strategies, collaborative learning, and more diverse discussions.” However, this extra time and effort commitment should be kept in mind when deciding if Honors classes are a good fit for you.
Honors classes offer an exciting opportunity for high school students who want to challenge themselves academically and prepare for college. With more rigorous coursework, a faster-paced learning environment, and a chance to boost your GPA, these classes can make a significant impact on your high school transcript and college admissions prospects. Honors classes help build critical thinking skills, develop confidence, and prepare high school students for the demands of college courses. If you are ready to make the commitment and put in the work, honors classes can make an excellent next step forward in your academic journey.
The thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the author and should not be taken to represent the views of Excelsior Classes, LLC or the consortium of teachers.
