At Champaign Central High School, class selections for the 2026-2027 school year are taking place right now. These decisions are due January 19 and become finalized February 13. With that, students may have questions about the process, how to decide on classes, or what different classes are. This article will provide information on these topics.
1. Research
In each of their core classes, students should have received a presentation about what classes they should take next year, as well as different electives offered within that subject. These presentations provide great advice on what paths are available to you next year and what classes you can take should you want to learn more in that subject.
For further information on all courses, Champaign Central has a Curriculum Handbook on its website which students can use to learn more about their classes. It has information such as NCAA approved classes, sample schedules, and even recommended extracurriculars.
Amy Graziano, an English teacher at Central, recommends talking to specific teachers of classes a student is interested in. In doing so, one can figure out firsthand what the pacing and workload of a class will be like.
Another way to figure out if a class will be a good fit for you is to ask peers who are currently taking, or have taken, the class. This way, you understand what your experience may be like in that classroom.
2. Keep prerequisites and graduation requirements in mind
There are some classes that one has to take to graduate from high school, and there are some classes that require specific courses before you take them. It’s imperative that students keep these in mind when choosing courses in order to remain on schedule and take the classes they want to in the future. The Curriculum Handbook covers these rules, and the school counselors will also know this information.
3. AP, dual credit, or nah?
For many core classes– and some electives– there are multiple levels to choose from. The main options are AP classes, dual credit classes, and on level courses.
On level courses are classes for which one solely earns high school credit. An AP class is a college level course, but a student can only earn college credit by taking a cumulative test in May. A dual credit class allows a student to earn college credit so long as they have a certain grade by the end of the semester/year.
When choosing between these options, Graziano says students usually consider the specific focuses for courses. For instance, in terms of senior English classes, the AP option is more reading focused, whereas the dual credit option involves more writing according to Graziano. Those wanting to improve their writing skills may go the route of the latter, while those who enjoy stories and literature could prefer the former.
Junior Sky Engelhardt recommends thinking about “what you’d actually want to take.” Make sure each class you choose to take is one that interests you and would fulfill you. Ensure that you’re taking the class due to the topic, not just to bump up your GPA.
4. Enjoy yourself!
“Find joy,” suggests Engelhardt.
Indeed, students will feel much more burnt out if they only take classes they dislike or classes that just stress them out. It’s important to balance difficult, content heavy classes with lighter and funner ones.
Additionally, one might learn more and get more out of classes they legitimately enjoy. Graziano often tells students, “Points are currency, but learning is priceless.”
5. Stuck? Class recommendations from others!
If you’re looking for class recommendations, here are ones others have taken and enjoyed:
- AP Prep Physics: “Made me fall in love with physics and want to pursue it at a graduate level.” – Lara Liz De Oliveira Nascimento, senior
- Science classes: “The science department at Central is very thorough and welcoming.” – Elle Sandiego, senior
- Calculus AB: “It made me realize I actually love math.” – Evani Pluta, senior
- Calculus BC: “It was the first class that felt truly useful.” – Emily Miller, senior
- AP US History – Caroline Yu
- Journalism:
- “It made me realize what I want to do going forward.” – Londyn Bryant, sophomore
- “It showed me how to write articles and that’s mainly what I want to do when I’m older…” – Kenzie Martinsen, sophomore
6. Know how to submit your course plan
Course selections are due January 19. Ensure you have all your decisions submitted in Schoolinks by this time. To edit and submit your course plan, go to Schoolinks, go to “Plan”, and click on “Course Planner.” From there, you can add courses you wish to take next year. If you need help or have questions, contact your counselor.
