<p>At my daughter's high school, one of the biggest secrets is that students can take biology in ninth grade. The GCs steer kids to astronomy/geology, and only if parents raise the topic can students take biology. Most of the top kids double up in ninth grade and take bio, astronomy and geology; Chemistry in 10th, AP Bio in 11th (the only science AP offered) and Physics in 12th. Parents and students who aren't in the know are furious when they find out that the A/G combo can be either avoided or doubled up on. </p>
<p>In our school, AP bio, chemistry and physics take up two periods a day. It's almost impossible to double up on sciences after ninth grade because of this. I'm curious how other schools handle that.</p>