The 2025-2026 school year at MTHS has brought various changes, from staffing to scheduling. One of these changes is the new ninth grade social studies course, Human Geography, which replaced Ancient World History. Along with the CP option, Human Geography presents freshmen with an opportunity to take it at an AP level if they want, something upperclassmen could not do for any class in ninth grade.
“We felt that AP Human Geography was more in line with our vertical curriculum [the sequence of courses from freshman to senior year] and that Ancient History would be better served if it was moved down to seventh grade,” said Human Geography teacher Tom Coleman.
According to the College Board website, Human Geography allows students to “examine the diverse interactions that people have with the environment.” This includes studying the art of geographic thinking, cultural and political concepts and more, along with aspects of physical geography such as reading maps. Now that the school year is well underway, students have had time to form an impression of the Human Geography class.
“Honestly, I think Human Geography is pretty fun so far,” said freshman Izzi Somerman. “I thought it would just be maps and memorizing countries, but it’s more about people and culture, which makes it way more interesting. Some things are kind of confusing, but I like how it makes me think about the world in a different way.”
AP student Shelby Gingerich agreed, referring to Human Geography as a “fun, interactive class,” and saying that she is “always eager to see what we will learn or do each day.”
Mia Sweigart, another CP student, said she likes it so far because it’s a step down from her honors classes. “It’s a nice class…The homework is a lot lighter and easier,” she said.
Ancient World History was a favorite class for many students at MTHS, and most freshmen were expecting to see it on their course selection page in March. The Human Geography option, along with the option to take the class at an AP level, caused surprise and confusion, but also excitement.
“I was overjoyed with being able to take an AP class freshman year because my dad is a social studies teacher and it would be a great opportunity for us to connect more,” freshman Parker Newman said.
Some AP students said that they were excited to take an AP class because it would be a challenge compared to past courses. On the other hand, some freshmen chose the CP option because they wanted to get acclimated to high school before taking a college-level course, and many are also taking other core classes at honors levels. When it comes to the upperclassmen, there are mixed feelings about this new class. Some are sad about Ancient World History no longer being taught, but most wish they could have had the chance to take an AP course their freshman year.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” sophomore Raelynn Rosario said. “It prepares you for the harder classes that come later in high school.”
Human Geography teacher Nicole Eshelman had a similar thought.
“It will challenge you to think, write, articulate and read in ways that you may not have ever experienced before,” she said. “These higher level skills translate well to both college and career because it equips students to think comprehensively.”
One of the key features of AP classes is the AP exam at the end of the year. The exam, which is scored out of five, can be very beneficial for students’ futures as any score of three or above potentially gives them college credit. However, for freshmen, the exam could also add pressure to what is already an overwhelming year.
“As of right now I’m a little nervous to take the exam, but I think that as I learn more information, I will feel fine and more confident by the time we take it,” said freshman Shelby Gingerich.
A lot of juniors and seniors took Honors Ancient World History their freshman year and have experience with advanced-level tests, so they can offer wisdom for students who will take their first AP exam this May.
“Don’t stress out too much and use this as a learning opportunity for how the tests feel,” senior Audrey Young advised.
Whether it’s taken at a CP or AP level, Human Geography is an amazing opportunity for current and future freshmen.
It “deals with contemporary and real world issues, more so than any class we teach here at the high school,” Mr. Coleman said. “The curriculum tackles modern day issues that affect us today.”
The class gives students a global perspective on the principles and processes that shape both the cultural and physical world, and gives them the building blocks for being a positive force in both.
“Students won’t just end the course knowing where places are, but why global issues happen in those locations and why they should care about it,” said Eshelman.
