New Trier High School Proposes Innovative Course Offerings

New Trier High School is considering a range of innovative course proposals aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students. If approved by the Board of Education in December 2023, students could gain access to internships at local schools, work towards a personal trainer certification, and earn college credit in both new and existing English classes.

During a recent Board of Education meeting, five new course proposals were introduced, including three Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. Chimille Tillery, assistant superintendent for teaching and instruction, emphasized that these initiatives focus on expanding student opportunities and aligning educational offerings with student interests and needs.

One of the key proposals is a semester-long teaching internship that builds upon a course introduced this academic year. This internship could allow students to work in partner elementary and middle schools as early as the 2027-2028 school year. Another significant offering is a semester-long personal training class, designed in collaboration with the American Council on Exercise. This course aims to prepare students for the ACE’s Personal Trainer certification, with the first cohort eligible to certify in spring 2027.

In addition to these initiatives, plans are underway to expand AP credit options for students in the Integrated Global Studies School (IGSS). Students currently enrolled in a post-colonial literature course will have the opportunity to take the AP Literature exam. This long-standing senior course examines contemporary literature from regions including Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, featuring works such as Joseph Conrad‘s “Heart of Darkness” and Jamaica Kincaid‘s “Annie John.”

The IGSS operates as a “school-within-a-school” offering experiential learning for New Trier juniors and seniors. If the proposals receive approval, students in IGSS will see their junior and senior English courses recognized as AP Seminar and AP Research courses, respectively. Tillery noted that this integration aligns well with the existing IGSS curriculum, which already emphasizes an individualized, inquiry-based approach.

The new AP courses will require endorsement from the College Board, which oversees the AP program. Board members reacted positively to Tillery’s presentation, with board member Sally Tomlinson voicing support for the introduction of more semester-long courses instead of traditional year-long options.

This initiative represents a significant shift in New Trier’s educational offerings, reflecting an ongoing commitment to meet diverse student needs and provide access to enriching academic experiences. The community eagerly anticipates the Board’s decision next month, which could set the stage for a transformative educational landscape at New Trier High School.