Lexington High School has now implemented Astronomy courses in concurrent enrollment with Middlesex Community College, available to all juniors and seniors.
Concurrent enrollment is simply the option to take the class in question for college credit, according to the LHS Program of Studies for the 2025-2026 school year. In this case, Astronomy can be taken for credits at Middlesex Community College, but they can also be transferred to other colleges. These courses must only be taught by teachers who are approved by the college. However, concurrent enrollment is merely an option. Students can also take the course for high school credit only.
This class also allows students to complete their science credit requirements at LHS instead of having to do physics in senior year. For students who may not see physics as the best fit for their future and career and are leaning towards environmental sciences, taking Astronomy may be a better choice.
“[Astronomy] is an elective. It is always a student choice, but it does fulfill a year of requirement for science. Some students who really enjoy science will take both physics and astronomy in the same year,” Jonathan Ng, who teaches both Astronomy and CP Environmental Earth Science, said.
Physics can be difficult for students, especially those who don’t particularly enjoy doing math. In this way, Astronomy provides a good alternative. However, this doesn’t mean it is any less intensive than other CP level science courses.
“At the end of the day, it’s still a scientific unit. There’s still some mathematics that is involved. They’re still learning trial and error. There are some lab experiments, there are some partnered activities. But it is a full-year class,” Ng explained.
This means that the class is four credits and it involves lecturing and labs like the other required science courses at LHS. Learning continues with the same group of students year-round, facilitating an environment that fosters curiosity.
In addition, this class comes with many student opportunities. There are field trips throughout the year. For instance, Mr. Ng is currently planning a field trip to the Museum of Science, specifically to its planetarium and space exhibits.
Overall, LHS offers many interesting classes that are worth trying out. Having to fulfill various credit requirements often make students less than happy about the electives they take, but Astronomy is just one example of how flexible schedules can be—as long as you are willing to take the time to talk to your counselor about it.
