Board approves two new AP classes

At the meeting on May 14, the Board of Education approved two new Advanced Placement (AP) courses that will be offered starting with the 2027-28 school year. Students at Leyden will have an opportunity to enroll in AP Business With Personal Finance and AP Environmental Science.

“We are really excited to be offering these two new AP courses at Leyden,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dominic Manola. “As part of our strategic planning work, we are really focusing on ensuring that we continue pushing students academically and aligning our coursework to career pathways, and both of these courses do just that.”

AP Business with Personal Finance
Business is one of the most popular college majors; about 20 percent of all degrees include some component, and this course would help provide the basics at a higher level. The course would include business models, investing, and accounting, and would also meet the consumer education graduation requirement. Daily tasks would include reviewing case studies and completing numerous hands-on projects. The course would follow the business pathway and sophomores, juniors and seniors would be eligible for enrollment. 

AP Environmental Science
Environmental Science ranks as the 12th most popular AP class for high school students, out of the 40 total courses offered nationwide. The course incorporates current topics, improves real-world problem-solving skills, and would serve as a capstone class in the science department. Juniors and seniors who meet the prerequisites of two years of lab science, including Biology and Chemistry/Physical science would be eligible for enrollment. It is recommended that students also take Algebra prior to enrollment.

Both proposed classes are rooted in Leyden’s strategic planning goals for academic achievement, career pathways, and post-graduation opportunities.