Students should think about a past assignment that they were so excited about, it didn’t feel like work. While most may not feel this way about every assignment, finding a subject for which they do, discovering a passion, is one of the most rewarding parts of any education.

Honors classes are one very way St. Paul Academy and Summit School attempts to encourage its students to find their passions or pursue them if they’ve already been realized.

Unfortunately though, only students strong in math and science get to make this very choice to pursue and cultivate their talents, as core honors courses are only offered within the fields of math and science, neglecting the whole of the humanities.

Honors courses are offered in the arts with Honors Sinfonia, Art, and Music Seminars, but for students with strong talent in the humanities, there are fewer options to deepen as thinkers.

SPA should offer honors courses in all subjects to give more of its students the opportunity

An honors version of a course covers a subject more in depth than the standard course does, requiring a significant commitment as well as the ability to learn and apply concepts at a fast pace.

This set-up attracts students who are most passionate about a course’s curriculum, and the fact that so many students consistently take honors courses attests to their desire for depth as overpowering their desire for more grade security.

By only offering math and science courses at the honors level, SPA puts a large part of the community at a serious disadvantage. They are at an academic disadvantage because they may not be able to study the humanities at a level deep enough to prepare them for an intensely verbal career path. They also miss as many as four years of honors study in a subject, which could greatly increase their understanding.

From an emotional standpoint, when students see honors courses in science and math but not in the humanities, they get the sense that those subjects are not as highly valued. And what’s worse, students who excel in the humanities as opposed to math or science often end up feeling like their talents are less valuable, less complex, when in fact they form the basis of effective communication, essential to any fruitful life.

Honors courses are a great opportunity for students looking to go above and beyond in a course that they enjoy. They allow for students to dive deeper into their passions and work hard in an environment of like-minded people. Every student should have the opportunity to take a course that they love to the next level, not just those whose favorite subject is science or math. Many students will pursue careers outside of these fields, making it even more important for SPA to nurture talent with letters in honors courses.

Students need to get vocal about their passions in subjects that don’t offered honors courses. English, foreign language, and history departments need to assess their course offerings to meet students’ need for more in-depth learning.

This article was originally published in the October 2014 Print issue of The Rubicon.  The story can be seen in its original form by clicking on the “In Print” tab or at ISSUU.com.