There are plenty of course options available to BHS students. So many, some get lost and overlooked in the lengthy course catalog. In this article, I want to highlight some of the underappreciated classes at BHS that not many students sign up for as they are small or passed over for the year. For more course information and options, refer to the BHS course catalog.

The first class I’m featuring is Ethnic Studies, a semester-long course offered to all grades without prerequisites. Ethan Nguyen (‘25) took this course and enjoyed learning “a lot about intersectionality and how [he] can relate to people of different identities,” as well as the caring community that formed for that class. Ethnic Studies “filled [him] with joy and showed [him he] wasn’t alone in certain problems or topics that are happening, specifically nowadays.” This course focuses on social justice movements and the experiences of historically marginalized groups while giving students skills to take civic action and work with others. Ethan highly recommends Ethnic Studies because “It sends a strong message to our admin, but also our district, because it shows people want to take this class and support it.”

For the 2025-2026 school year, Ethnic Studies unfortunately isn’t available, but there is another class to sign up for instead! According to the BHS catalog, AP African American Studies is offered to students from grades nine through twelve. This course will teach students “the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora,” an incredibly significant part of American history.

Another class I’d like to highlight is AP Art History, offered for students who have completed World History or AP World History. I took it myself in junior year, and it was my favorite class. When I go out with my family and friends, I get very excited when I recognize art styles or pieces and get to explain to them all the facts I know about the art or artists. Izzy Antrosio (‘26) took the class with me and said “As someone who went into it mostly interested in the visual aspect of art, [she] found art history to be an incredibly rewarding and informative class.” AP Art History covers art from prehistory to modern times, and you learn “valuable note-taking skills, the ability to interpret media, and incredible writing abilities.” Izzy “would retake it in a heartbeat,” and I would too.

For those interested in protecting the environment, I’d recommend the CHS Introduction to Environmental Science course. Students learn about natural processes and human impact while earning college credit. Bonnie Lu (‘25) says this class teaches you “how environmental systems work and why sustainability matters,” and overall was “an eye-opening class.” This class is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors; but, it requires completion of Pre AP Biology/Chemistry or Biology, and at least concurrent enrollment in Chemistry if you haven’t taken it.

Finally, consider 3rd- and 4th-year languages. Some students take the recommended two years of a world language but don’t continue into a third or fourth year. Continuing to study a language is important because it further develops your analytical, listening, and memory skills, according to Auburn University. It also strengthens your opportunities in the workforce. Students who take four years of a language or speak another language at home can take the annual World Competency Language Test at BHS to get a Washington State Seal of Biliteracy on their transcript, which can positively impact college admissions or work applications. Learning about another language also involves learning about that culture, which connects us with others. I recommend continuing language courses throughout high school beyond just two years.

I hope you consider these fantastic classes when signing up for courses. The BHS course catalog includes additional courses, which I recommend you check out because many great classes lack the minimum student requests to be taught. If you’re interested in a class, I’m sure others are signing up for it as well; but these classes won’t happen if you don’t sign up, too!