Extra Credit: MCS Students Tackle College-Level Work

Above photo: Students conjugate verbs in the future tense during CIHS Spanish 4. 

When students enter Rachel May’s College in the High School (CIHS) Spanish 4 classroom at Middleburgh Central School, they have effectively stepped onto a college campus. It’s a noticeable change. Once they cross the threshold, students-who began studying the language in seventh grade–must converse entirely in Spanish. That includes conjugating verbs into the future tense as they worked on a project to imagine a future world.

Is college-level work challenging? ¡Sí!

Opportunity Equals High Enrollment

May's students are among more than 65 students preparing for the future by taking on the challenge of Advanced Placement (AP) and CIHS courses. Roughly speaking, half of the junior and senior classes are taking at least one advanced class. In some cases, sophomores are admitted.

“I decided to take advanced coursework because I enjoy being challenged academically. I wanted classes that would push me to think more deeply, strengthen my skills, and better prepare me for future academic goals,” said junior Lillian K. In addition to enrolling in Spanish 4, Lillian has taken on the challenge of AP U.S. History and AP English Literature and Composition.

Students completing CIHS classes may earn three college credits. Students who earn a qualifying score on an AP exam are typically eligible to receive college credit or advanced placement in college. Beyond those benefits, students feel energized.

“The challenge keeps me engaged and I am always learning something new,” said junior Aleah B. “The courses require more effort and the need to stay on task, but it helps me grow as a student.”

It’s an effort she’s familiar with having enrolled in AP Calculus, AP U.S. History and CIHS Spanish 4.

AP Environmental Science students recently crossed the threshold to college-level work by stepping into a cold and wet pile of snow. But exactly how wet was it? They braved the chill to master new tools to measure wetness, temperature,  weight density and depth and get a better look at individual snow crystals. They’re learning how weather conditions affect snow at a more granular level.

“I took the class to challenge myself and for a better college resume,” said student Guillerimo M. In addition to AP Environmental Science, his resume will include his work in CIHS Sociology, American Government, and Economics classes.

AP Environmental Science students recently crossed the threshold to college-level work by stepping into a cold and wet pile of snow. But exactly how wet was it? They braved the chill to master new tools to measure wetness, temperature,  weight density and depth and get a better look at individual snow crystals. They’re learning how weather conditions affect snow at a more granular level.

Essential Habits Drive Big Dreams

Lillian points out that she is improving her habits as she takes on new subjects. “AP classes are challenging because they move at a faster pace and require more independent learning, critical thinking, and consistent effort,” she said. “Balancing the workload can be difficult at times, but the challenge has helped me become more organized, resilient, and confident in my academic abilities.”

Saving time and money by earning college credits in high school is very attractive to students and their families. Perhaps equally important - the classes help bring dreams into focus.

Aleah plans to pursue a major in the medical field. Guillerimo is considering communications majors. Lillian wants to study psychology and criminal justice to help people through prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Culture of Support

Each would encourage other students to enroll.

“AP classes are challenging, but they are worth it if you are willing to put in the effort,” said Aleah. “They help you build strong study habits, time-management skills, and confidence in your abilities.”

“I took the class to challenge myself and for a better college resume,” said student Guillerimo M. In addition to AP Environmental Science, his resume will include his work in CIHS Sociology, American Government, and Economics classes.

That’s music to Superintendent Mark Place’s ears. His “Beyond Good Enough” initiative encourages all students, no matter where they are academically, to seek out opportunities for growth.

“We’re proud of our students for challenging themselves through AP and CIHS classes,” said Superintendent Place. “They’re proving that when we set high expectations and expand opportunity, they don’t just accept the challenge, they go above and beyond. The skills and confidence they build today will serve them well in college, careers, and life.”

Aleah notes that students don't need to struggle alone.

“Even though the work can feel overwhelming at times, the experience prepares you for college-level expectations and shows you what you are capable of. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and stay organized—those habits make a big difference.”

Advanced course options vary each year. For the 2025-26 year, MCS offers:

AP English Literature and Composition  

AP Environmental Science  

AP Psychology 

AP U.S. History  

AP World History 

CIHS American Government 

CIHS Introduction to Literature 

CIHS Micro Economics  

CIHS Sociology  

CIHS Spanish 4

Each student must give presentations as part of AP US History. (Jane J.)

Students learn how to use a snow core sampler and a Loumi-Loupe lens to collect data in AP Environmental Science. (L to R: Guillerimo M., Delilah S.,Thomas D., Natalie U.)