A recent change to the education guide allows sophomores the freedom to choose one of their semesters of gym, along with the still required Project Adventure 1.
This privilege became accessible to sophomores as of the 2025-2026 school year.
“I think it [no PE-10] takes away one of the perks upperclassmen get,” said junior Anson Li. “Now sophomores, not just juniors and seniors, can pick their gym class.”
The change allows more freedom and control over sophomore schedules, which previously did not exist.
“It [ending PE-10] doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” said senior Alyssa Trombley. “It was always that seniors and juniors got to choose.”
After PE-Games [an entry level gym class] replaces PE-10, it may lead many to wonder if the same will happen to PE-9 in the future, or if Project Adventure 1 will continue to be a required course.
“The change doesn’t bother me,” said junior Curtis Mitchell. “I think PA1 should still be required and I don’t think PE-9 will be dropped, just because they are good introductory gym classes for freshmen and sophomores.”
Some students said they have concerns that the change will lead to a dynamic shift in the gym.
“I think they [gym classes] will be less competitive with upperclassmen competing with underclassmen who have less experience and may not want to try as hard,” said Li.
Some enjoy the ability to choose one of the many offered gym courses.
“I like it [the change],” said sophomore Jake Hemphill. “I got to choose my gym class and pick something I thought would be more fun.”
The replacement of PE-10 caused worries among upperclassmen with the possibility of younger students struggling in higher level classes.
“It [PE-10] was a great intro class,” said senior Luther Tadrous. “It helped me settle into the school.”
Some students are concerned Project Adventure 1 may become optional to sophomores, which could lead to less participation in PA1 and PA2.
“I think it [PA1] should still be required,” said Trombley. “It was a lot of fun but I wouldn’t have tried it if it wasn’t required.”
In contrast, many students struggle with a fear of heights, making PA1 a difficult class.
“I don’t really like PA1,” said Hemphill. “I would have rather been able to choose a different class instead of needing to take it.”
When thinking back to sophomore year, even if they didn’t mind PE-10, many would have enjoyed having the ability to choose something different.
“I liked PE-10, and it was a good intro class, so I didn’t mind taking it, (but) I would’ve liked to get to choose,” said Trombley. “So I think it’s a good change that they should keep.”
Want to read more about Project Adventure? See our earlier article from March 13th:
“Project Adventure – Not Just a Physical Workout.”
