It is Monday, and students are walking into their classes as papers are passed to them with very clear instructions from the instructor: write down the classes you like the most. Yes, it is that time of year when teachers show videos and presentations about classes the students can take. While students are excited they get to pick new classes they are interested in, choosing the right one is never easy, especially with so many options. 

Schools have elective classes for multiple reasons. They offer a way of learning what areas students can be interested in, and can prepare them for college and a career. Additionally, electives help with confidence and self-efficacy, both traits that are important to develop when students are young.

#5 Spanish for Native Speakers

In Spanish for Native Speakers, students do not just learn about the language: they also learn about the culture. Taking the class can help teens prepare for college by giving them advanced placement opportunities. And of course, Spanish allows those who speak it the chance to land better jobs, as a lot of people speak Spanish. Knowing how to communicate with people in their language can be helpful in terms of effective communication and connecting with others on a deeper level. 

#4 Critical Reading

Critical Reading is a great class for people who love reading or want to get into reading more. Students who take this class will improve their research and speaking skills, as there are frequent debates. Students also have the chance to read books they actually enjoy. They get to connect and interact more with the books they select rather than just reading an assigned text. They will also use the book to answer questions as they talk to their teacher in weekly conferences.

Critical Reading helps students keep up with things happening around the world or in their community. Kids look up current events, talk, and write about them, developing media literacy skills, which are important as they enter adulthood.

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# 3 Journalism

Journalism is a good way to learn a lot of different skills in one class – all of which can be used later in life. For instance, journalism teaches teens how to be professional, how to be on time, to ask the right questions, and demonstrate preparation.

A big part of this class is interviewing the right people to get engaging quotes, and communicating with others – including people students may not know that well. 

Most importantly, journalism helps students be part of the community – both at WEGO and the surrounding area. Reporters for the Chronicle are covering events that matter, and in doing so, becoming part of the big picture themselves.

#2 Fashion Tech 1

Fashion class is a good way to learn the basics about fashion, from understanding how clothing is designed to how personal style and athletic wear preferences differ from person to person. Students also get hands-on experience with a sewing machine, which turns ideas into tangible projects.

Fashion Tech 1 could be helpful for anyone beyond the classroom, as not having to take clothes in or fix them saves money.

#1 Ceramics

Like fashion, ceramics is a class that allows students to bring their creations to life. It combines creativity with problem-solving. While ceramics encourage self-expression, there are some rules that need to be followed in order for a project to be successful. Following the guidelines set by the teacher and seeing the project come to life is a way for students to develop a sense of innovation. Typically, the teacher will have an assignment students have to follow, but students still have the freedom to make each piece their own, using ceramics as a form of creative and personal expression. Being a class that combines encouraging patience, helps with self-expression, and allows making pieces that can be used on an everyday bases like plates and mugs, ceramics stays at #1.

Revision
Feb. 6, 2026
The article was substantially updated to improve clarity and strengthen transitions between levels of distinction.