A friend of mine has been asking the same question ever since the start of the school year: “Why am I taking Spanish?” When I asked why she was not putting much effort into her world language class, she responded, “In the future, I do not intend to use Spanish at all. I want to focus on studying the arts.” Her response made me wonder: why do more schools require students to take the four essential “core” subjects (English, math, science, and social studies) but then allow them to choose the rest of their courses? Allowing students at Lexington High School to tailor their schedules to fit their passions would yield greater benefits than requiring classes taken solely for graduation credit.
According to the LHS Program of Studies, students must earn eight World Language credits and eight Fine and Performing Arts credits to graduate. This requires taking at least two years of World Language courses and two to four classes in the visual or performing arts. However, some students would love to take more art courses, a second history course, two science courses at once, or even an additional language course.
Many say high school is one of the most important times for students to explore and prepare for their future endeavors. It is therefore reasonable that LHS should support students by allowing them to take courses with long-term benefits, rather than restricting them with credit requirements. The LHS student body is composed of many diverse, talented individuals, and so allowing them to focus on their strengths and interests could provide massive support.
Some may worry that a less rigid path would sacrifice learning that trains critical cognitive skills. However, many substitutions can develop the same foundational mental processes while better fitting a student’s interests. For example, a student who substitutes orchestra with a second math class could practice complex mental math, explain solutions aloud, and find patterns within problems—activities that stimulate the brain in a way similar to playing an instrument. With learning methods tailored to their interests, students can gain deeper insight into subjects that matter to them instead of being forced to study those they may dislike
A more customizable schedule is not immediately possible due to limited resources, but its potential should still be explored. Because schools like LHS are filled with bright students, it is worth questioning why they are required to take certain classes when alternatives could provide equal or greater value. Without sustained focus on their interests, proficiency is difficult to achieve—so keep core subjects mandatory, but allow students the freedom to curate the rest for an optimal learning experience.
