New Course Offerings Expand Class Rigor

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, Jordan will add Pre-AP Theatre to its curriculum to offer a more rigorous education to arts students, while the continuation of Pre-AP English 2 is uncertain for coming school years.

Pre-AP classes aim to mimic the structure of an AP class through a framework, encourage critical thinking and build base knowledge. Some ways this is done is through engaging in academic conversations, using academic language to talk about results, and having small group or whole class conversations. Pre-AP classes don't have an exam or a set curriculum, and are designed to prepare students for APs, future education, or the workforce. They are focused on how to learn, not just what to learn.

Pre-AP doesn't come without its struggles though. Ms. Eaves, who currently teaches Pre-AP English 2, said that she has heard that "some students are [intimidated] by the term Pre-AP,” and she has had to clarify the difference between a framework and a curriculum. Despite this fear, Ms. Eaves has said that her students, especially her honors class, “have been very excited about it.”

Ms. Bellido in her first period beginning theatre class

Coordinating Pre-AP classes is difficult due to staffing. According to Ms. Ruby, AP coordinator, the reason why only Pre-AP English 2 is offered right now is “We have to have a certain number of each core class level to help students meet graduation requirements and Pre-AP just doesn't work with any other class right now.” As a result of these staffing and organizational issues, the future of Pre-AP core classes at Jordan is uncertain.

One thing that is certain is Pre-AP Theatre next year. Ms. Bellido, who will be piloting the course, says she's been "asking for AP theatre for years, and the College Board [has said] it doesn't qualify.” When she discovered Pre-AP was an option she hopped on the opportunity. Ms. Bellido says “It's just more rigorous, it goes deep into the philosophy of theatre and the methods of theatre.” She is looking forward to implementing the class, with hope of eventually being able to do an AP theatre as well. Ms. Bellido voiced her disappointment that many of her students taking numerous APs “have to choose to sacrifice their GPA to do the thing they want to do the rest of their lives, theatre.”