Classes at Ingraham: The Good and The Bad

According to Upperclassmen

  It’s a couple months into the school year now and the beginning of school studious mindset has already begun to wear off. The anticipation of gaining access to the new year’s schedules and excitement of seeing familiar faces in the classes is long gone, and now there’s just a lot of homework. But amidst the hard classes, there’s always the hidden gems that make students look forward to attending at least that one 57 minute class of the day (the schedules this year are dumb.) 

According to real Ingraham students’ responses, the classes that are general favorites aren’t even always electives, but rather history, english, and biology - to name a few. Ingraham offers a wide variety of courses for each grade and very beneficial ones too. From baking and pastry to piano lab to LGBTQIA+ History, there are so many courses to choose from. In a survey, juniors’ and seniors’ favorite classes varied greatly. Psychology (SL), ASB, ceramics, Spanish, chemistry, yearbook, biology, English, history, and band were all mentioned as a favorite class for at least one student, showing the differing interests everybody has. Some of these classes, however, were also said to be some students’ hardest classes such as IB Spanish being “very rigorous” and IB History of the Americas since students have to write a lot in that class with not really any previous training on how to do so. In addition to this, students’ responses to which class they learned the most in were very similar to their favorite classes. Some teachers that were mentioned as providing this immense knowledge in their class include Biology with Ms. Lane or Ms. Gephart, History with Ms. McKenzie or Mr. Gilbert, Algebra 2 Honors with Ms. Lim, and English with Mr. Ferguson. ASB Leadership was also noted to have been a beneficial learning experience for students involved. Mr. Colino’s geometry class was also considered as one student’s class they learned the most in, which is usually taken by freshmen and sophomores and features Mr. Colino’s absolutely hilarious, knee-slapping jokes. 

Generally, students tend to gravitate to classes that give them some challenge but are still enjoyable and pique their interest in some way. But what about the classes that provide a challenge that may have been unexpected and possibly unwanted? Do these classes fall short of the favorite classes list? The answer is pretty much, yes. In the list of favorite classes mentioned before, not a single student mentioned any math class. However, nearly half the respondents categorized their math classes as most difficult, the class they learned the most in, or even their least favorite class. This is not being said to demoralize students or teachers, and really it is quite the contrary. 

Algebra 2 Honors was mentioned numerously in responses saying that “it was challenging” and “hard” but also that it was one of the classes people realized they learned the most in. Algebra 2 was also noted as having the “most new material out of any math class”, meaning that once you get over the challenge, there are much easier math classes ahead of you in your high school career (other than maybe IB Analysis & Approaches HL, which only insane people take.) So really, while Algebra 2 Honors seems like a daunting class, it’s really not too bad and once you’re done - you’re done since it teaches you so much. Aside from Algebra, math classes in general were deemed as “hard subjects” and that the math equations simply “have too many detail[s].” Other classes that were said to be less than optimal were 10th grade history and chemistry B since they were “not content heavy”, band because the teaching-style was off, and biology because of the teaching-style of an unnamed teacher. 

Recommendations for electives to take in the few years at Ingraham also varied heavily, but all are acceptable. One very passionate Leadership class member said to join the class because it creates a deeper connection to the school for those in the class and “helps you see everything in a different light” within Ingraham. Multiple seniors say to begin a language early not only for graduation and college credit but also because “it’s rewarding to see your progress” and “it’s so fun and helpful for your future” while helping you “meet lots of people.” Other classes that are said to connect students into closer bonds are theater, team sports (which technically aren’t electives, but are still good to join), any art class (like ceramics or drawing and painting) since it’s a “really great way to make new friends” and won’t put extra unwanted stress onto you, and one student stood by band saying that “everyone is so supportive.” Multiple people warned against band, but everyone has different experiences with it and as this one student said, “you get to learn or practice your instrument with people who share that passion” that comes with making music. One last elective recommendation was baking and pastry because “it’s fun and easy” and you get to eat the things you make while cooking with your friends. 

Overall, it is clear how everyone’s thoughts and opinions on various classes are very mixed and not every class is for everyone, which is okay! All that matters is that the lower classes at Ingraham take advice from the upperclassmen so they don’t hate their high school experience due to their courses: math is hard but it’s okay, do or don’t do band, and take classes that will be fun to not stress yourself out too much. Ingraham has a lot to offer, so try to make the most of it before you have to graduate.