Let The Scheduling Games Commence
January 16, 2026 2026-01-22 7:45Let The Scheduling Games Commence
By Poorvi Roopesh, Srishti Sawant, Siddarth Suresh
Scheduling Matters
As we settle into the second semester, all students must keep one thing mind: scheduling.
Scheduling is not simply choosing your classes for the next year; it is about building your social and academic life. It is incredibly important to choose classes that allow you to challenge yourself while prioritizing mental health.
Remember: You can always utilize the resources on the IA counseling website and IA course catalogs when selecting your schedule.
Head Counselor Ms. Moran says,
“Be intentional about course selections and factor everything that is in your life to maintain balance in your own personal life.”
Do not choose classes based on friends or relatives; choose courses that correlate with your curiosity. Because counselors are scheduling nearly 1,500 students within a two-month period, they cannot respond to individual emails or meetings during this time. Thus, students should utilize this time to consider their courses and attend the scheduled opportunities to connect with counselors and get the support they need.
Reminder: It is important that all students remember to fill up classes for seven periods for the upcoming school year.
General Scheduling
AP Courses
Not only does our school offer general classes, but it also provides Advanced Placement, or AP, courses. These classes are administered by the College Board, a nonprofit organization, and are widely recognized for their higher level of rigor compared to on-level and honors courses offered at the school. For example, while both AP Environmental Science (APES) and its on-level counterpart, Earth Systems, explore how natural systems operate, APES takes a more interdisciplinary approach. The AP course places greater emphasis on human impact on the environment and integrates mathematical analysis into its curriculum.
According to APES student Madison Davis [12],
“Taking AP classes allowed me to pursue a more rigorous education and allowed me to get a headstart in college classes I’m interested in.”
Overall, it’s clear that AP classes give students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically while exploring subjects in greater depth and pursuing areas they are genuinely interested in.
Note: IA currently offers 23 AP courses. More information is located in the IA AP Course Catalog.
Electives
Additionally, IA offers elective courses which present students with the opportunity to explore interests beyond core academic requirements while building real-world skills. Courses such as Music Technology, Audio Visual Film & Technology (AVTF), Journalism, Directed Studies, and Yearbook allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas like digital production, storytelling, design, and collaboration. Many of these classes are project-based; they help students develop creativity, time management, and communication skills that are valuable across careers.
Past AVTF student Eniola Famakinwa [11] says
“Electives are a great way to have some fun in the school day; and it is really cool learning a new skill.”
As scheduling begins, electives can help students discover passions and expand their academic and creative scope.
Rising Juniors and Seniors
Dual Enrollment Courses
Dual Enrollment (DE) is a program that gives you the opportunity to take real college courses while in high school. This allows students to simultaneously earn college and high school credits.
At IA, DE is typically taken by juniors and seniors. To participate, students must meet the admission requirements of the college dual enrollment program they plan to attend. They must also complete all state and school required paperwork and stay on top of deadlines for applications, course registration, and funding forms in GA Futures. All information pertaining DE can be found on the Innovation Academy website.
Specific DE information can be found in the course catalogs on the desired college’s website. It is important to understand that DE is an opportunity, however it also requires responsibility. Students are encouraged to take DE courses if they know they can manage it successfully.
Research
One factor that sets IA apart from many schools is its research curriculum. Although research is a mandatory course at IA, students have the opportunity to make the experience their own by choosing a topic that genuinely interests them and exploring it in depth throughout the year. Research areas range from pathway-based topics to art, entrepreneurship, and more.
During the scheduling season, rising juniors complete a Pinnacle Prep research proposal to determine their placement for Honors or AP Research in the following year.
However, many students may be wondering whether or not they should apply for AP Research. Unlike Honors Research, AP Research requires students to write a 4,000-word article referencing approximately 50 sources and deliver a 15-minute presentation.
IA Research Department Head Mr. Robinson elaborates that
“AP Research has additional prerequisites and a tighter timeline than Honors Research.”
Students should also note that AP Research has limited spots, and those not selected in 11th grade still have the opportunity to take the course in 12th grade.
Note: Additional information about the research course selections can be found in the Pinnacle Project Proposal.
Internships
Work-based learning (WBL) is another way upperclassmen can take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. The program allows students to hold jobs either on campus or off campus while earning academic credit. Off-campus WBL placements span a wide range of fields, including coding, healthcare, and retail.
Students who work on campus often serve as Teacher’s Assistants (TAs), or as Peer Facilitators, through a closely related program.
According to WBL student Talia Astwani [12],
“Through WBL, I’ve gained lots of employable skills and it’s given me the experience of what my future jobs might look like.”
For students looking for a more rigorous experience, the TAG Internship serves as the honors-level version of the course and includes more in-depth assignments and expectations.
As the scheduling games commence, students should take time to reflect on their goals and workload to create a well-balanced schedule. Whether they are considering AP classes, Dual Enrollment, electives, or internships, each option allows students to grow and learn. Students should explore the resources on the IA Counseling website and attend scheduling events to be up to date with all scheduling changes. Thoughtful planning now will make for a successful school year ahead.
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