The average student at AHS takes the same old schedule in the math department; algebra I, geometry, algebra II, and if you’re brave enough Calculus. But were you aware that there are classes that fill those mathematics requirements out of these core classes? Business Math, taught by Ms. Douglas 4th period is one example. An interview with Carmen Cecero, 12, a graduate of the class, clued us in to some more information on the class.

In the class, one of the biggest things you learn is how to do your own taxes, which will come in handy, that lucky one is able to be given their very own taxes to deal with. They also learn how to use the Microsoft program Excel, banking, credit cards, and insurance. Because those can be quite important. When asked why Cercero chose this class over regular Algebra II, she explained, “You get five college credits from EvCC if you get an A or a B. I mean, why wouldn’t you choose that?? And it sounded like a lot of fun.”

A lot of times, we lean toward the classes the school most promotes because it seems that those are the safest bet when thinking of the future. But this is not always the case. “You learn a ton of business related things on the computer and how you can keep track of money. And taxes,” Cercero says.

An M&M lab is a favorite for many of the students to look forward to and it goes beyond the regular math in that you are actually applying what you’re learning to something you actually do in real life. This isn’t as easy to say for other math classes. Cercero strongly recommended the class and says, “Mrs. Douglas is an awesome teacher. It will help me a lot when I want to get a job in business. Plus, taxes.”