Because of the new seven-period day, several new elective classes have formed. These classes are primarily taught by math and science teachers, and several of the courses are designed to improve student performance in other classes. 

For ninth graders, there are two new classes aimed to improve Georgia High School Graduation Test scores in the areas of math and science. Mr. Justin Howell and Mr. Justin Lonsbury teach freshmen enrolled in the science course objectives that are important on the test, including survey construction and graphs.

“We’re integrating study skills into the class, so there should be improvement across the board,” said Lonsbury.

Lonsbury encourages ninth graders to take the science elective because such early and intensive exposure will prepare students for more advanced science courses. 

Dr. Andrew Milne teaches philosophy, where students focus on ethics, principles, asking choices, and various theories. Milne’s main goal is to make his philosophy students think. 

“It opens up your brain,” said Katie Kniesel about the class, “You get a little confused, but it all makes sense in the end,” 

In addition to the debate team, there is now a debate class taught by Susan Mistretta. Students practice debates in pairs, and members of the debate team in the class are paired up with students new to debating. 

“It’s more of an experience class,” said new debater, Bethany Lange. 

Sunil Narayan teaches math on a personal level. Math, Money, and Management is a project-based course focusing on personal finances. Students are presented with information on banking, the stock market, and general money management. This college preparatory math elective consists mainly of seniors but is also offered to juniors. 

“The logic and beauty of mathematics transfers to other disciplines such as philosophy and debate team,” said math department chair Maxine Russack, “Math is not limited to traditional math courses.”