Every year, I research new course offerings for Thomas Jefferson High School with one question in mind: What will our students actually carry with them long after they leave our classrooms? That question led to five new courses in 2025 – 26: AP Pre-Calculus, AP Computer Science Principles, Advanced Weight Training, Lifeguarding, and Freshman Focus. Each was designed to increase the rigor and relevance of our curriculum while developing skills students can use long after graduation. One year later, these courses have not only strengthened our program of studies, but also created momentum for continued innovation.

Raising the Bar with AP Pre-Calculus

When College Board introduced AP Pre-Calculus, we saw an immediate opportunity to bring college-level coursework to a new point in our mathematics sequence. The course gives students the chance to earn college credit while developing the critical thinking, persistence, and precision required for advanced mathematics. Ms. Sosanko embraced the challenge of launching the course at TJHS, diving into a new curriculum and AP framework. Her enthusiasm helped make the first year a success. The results exceeded expectations: every TJHS student who took the 2026 AP Pre-Calculus Exam earned a passing score. More importantly, students gained experience thinking like mathematicians and developed skills that can prepare them for future AP courses and college-level mathematics. Ms. Sosanko reflected,“ I am glad there is a course that can introduce students to advanced level math earlier and, more importantly, the AP program overall. Perhaps this experience will encourage them to enroll in other AP courses.”

Coding the Future with AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles also joined the TJHS program of studies for the first time in 2025 – 26. Bringing the course to life required an educator with both technical expertise and a willingness to build something new. That educator was Ms. McCann, a first-year teacher whose passion for coding and problem-solving was evident from the beginning. Her background, including degrees from Case Western Reserve University and the University of Pittsburgh, provided a strong foundation for introducing students to an increasingly important field.

With artificial intelligence transforming the technology landscape, AP CSP is particularly relevant. Students explore not only programming, but also code design, ethics, cybersecurity, and data structures, skills that help them understand the broader world of computing and artificial intelligence.

Strength Beyond the Classroom

Rigor and relevance extend beyond AP courses. Advanced Weight Training, taught by Ms. McHugh, gave students an opportunity to develop strength, discipline, and lifelong fitness habits while learning sport-specific training techniques. Students created fitness plans connected to the sports they played, giving them practical knowledge they can use both during high school and beyond. For student-athletes pursuing collegiate athletics, the course also provides an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of training and preparation required at the next level.

From Classroom to Career: Lifeguarding

Some new courses lead toward college. Others lead directly toward a career. Lifeguarding, taught by Mr. Rose, in partnership with the American Red Cross, gave students the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized lifeguard certification. The two-year certification can open immediate employment opportunities at our high school natatorium and pools throughout the community. Students learned water rescue, CPR, and first aid while earning a credential employers actively seek. It is a powerful example of what career-connected education can look like: students obtain skills and certifications they can put to work almost immediately.

Setting the Foundation with Freshman Focus

Perhaps no new course had a more immediate impact than Freshman Focus, designed to help incoming ninth graders successfully navigate the transition to high school. Students explored time management, study skills, goal-setting, and college and career pathways while building relationships with peers and staff. Feedback from students and parents was positive, while several ninth-grade teachers noted improvements in engagement, organization, and soft skills. Mr. Souders and Mr. Marlow collaborated extensively to make the experience meaningful for every ninth grader. Mr. Souders explained,“ A major goal of this course is that every student will learn the vital soft skills that will benefit them in high school and beyond.” Mr. Marlow added,“ By giving our students a roadmap to navigate their high school experience, students can overcome their fears of high school and feel more prepared and confident about all that is in front of them, namely their futures.”

Looking Ahead

Launching five new courses in one year was no small undertaking. I owe tremendous credit to the teachers who embraced the vision, many of whom spent their summers developing curriculum and crafting lesson plans. Their work transformed an effort to modernize our program of studies into something much more meaningful: new opportunities for students to discover what they are capable of doing. We will continue refining these courses while expanding opportunities to make learning more rigorous, relevant, and connected to life beyond high school.

In 2026 – 27, TJHS will add Honors-Optional Courses, Partners in the Kitchen, and AP Seminar. Honors-Optional courses will allow students to complete real-world, honors-level projects connected to existing courses. Partners in the Kitchen will provide an inclusive environment where students of all abilities develop practical cooking skills together. AP Seminar will challenge students to research real-world issues, evaluate evidence, collaborate, and communicate well-supported arguments.

The work continues because our goal is bigger than adding courses. At Thomas Jefferson High School, we believe education isn ' t just about preparing students for the next test. It ' s about preparing students for the rest of their lives. est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

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IN West Jefferson Hills Fall 2026 | Page 35

Building the Future, One Course at a Time

Building the Future, One Course at a Time