Advanced placement classes (AP) have been creating new opportunities for Dallas High School students who are willing to learn and work hard for years. Currently, there are only three classes that provide this opportunity: AP English, AP US History, and AP European History. These classes prepare students for college, and help by saving money for the credits that they have already earned. After students have participated in the class, they have the opportunities to take a test for a fee to receive college credit.

The new Honors Diploma requires a student to take two of these AP classes. “With only three options to choose from, this hinders an honors student, rather than expanding the options, especially for their schedules,” said Counselor Debra Long.



It is for this reason that next year, Dallas High will be adding AP chemistry.

“This class’ purpose is to prepare students to take the AP exam,” said Margery Barkman, who will be teaching the class next year.

The class will consist of college level lab and lecture work. Expanding on the regular chemistry class that the student must take before hand. AP chemistry enables a student to go into more depth with higher detailed labs, having expanded on the experience from the regular chemistry.

Barkman has already been planning the lessons to include exciting labs to gain knowledge of properties of elements, compounds, and how they react.

“The importance of these classes is apparent as students go to apply for the competitive college world,” said Long. Having these classes on a transcript shows colleges that as a student a person is ready to do college level work, bringing the individual abilities to their school. It greatly benefits the student, by possibly deferring the cost of a college class. “Every little bit helps, if you can’t get on top of things, it will transfer into a money saved,” said Vice Principal Brian Green.

“Bringing AP chemistry into Dallas High brings more opportunities to a student interested in a science field. It brings experience in the subject to jump-start a future career,” said Long.