Freshmen will be required to take either Physical Science or Honors Physical Science, a new course, beginning next year with the Class of 2030.
Science teacher Janet Mulder said the change was made to support students in later classes and teach them the fundamental skills needed for advanced science courses.
“We’re trying to help students be more successful when they reach chemistry,” Mulder said. “We’re trying to figure out how to help those who needed to have a more traditional pathway.”
Some of the specifics are still being determined, such as differences in curriculum and who will teach the new honors course, Mulder added.
Director of Curriculum Jana Clarke said the science department and administration were involved in making the decision to require a physical science class.
She added the science department will now mirror other departments’ entry-level courses, such as the honors and regular options in the English department.
Although the requirement will prepare some for later courses, Mulder said she worries it may hold others back from high-level courses.
“It will limit other students from taking more AP courses,” she explained.
Clarke added incoming freshmen have the option to
take online College Credit Plus Physical Science or test out of the class in order to take Honors Biology their freshman year.
However, Clarke said the grade students receive on the assessment to test out is the final grade they earn in the class.
“It could really impact your GPA,” she explained. “I don’t recommend it.”
Clarke said she supports this new requirement and explained taking a physical science class fulfills an existing graduation requirement.
“This meets the requirement for Physical Science and opens up for other courses in the future,” she said.
Clarke said approximately half of the upcoming freshman class are signed up for regular Physical Science, and the other half is taking Honors Physical Science.
Mulder said she thinks this requirement will promote success for the majority of students.
“I’m hoping it will be a positive change,” she said.
Published and digitized March 2026.
