Student Favorite Subjects: What High Schoolers Really Love to Learn

Walking through any high school, you’ll hear students buzzing about their favorite subjects. It's not always what you'd guess, either. Some kids light up in math class, while others can’t wait for art or history. So what really makes a subject a favorite?

Turns out, students connect with classes where they see real-world value, where the teacher keeps things lively, or where they simply feel confident and understood. Take science, for example. When labs get hands-on, students often say they finally “get it.” They see how biology merges with everyday health or how physics can explain the odd stuff they see in the world. Suddenly, it’s not just textbook work—it matters.

English classes have a big fan base, but mostly when the reading list doesn’t feel ancient and dry. Talking about books that hit home or breaking down movies for symbolism keeps everyone much more invested than just memorizing vocabulary. Students say they get to share opinions, argue a point, or write about things they care about. That freedom sparks more interest than classic grammar drills ever could.

Math gets a lot of bad press, but you might be surprised—algebra and statistics often win more hearts than calculus or trigonometry. Why? Simple: students find them useful for real life and appreciate when teachers relate lessons to stuff like budgeting, sports stats, or puzzle challenges. When math means something beyond solving for X, it’s suddenly not so scary.

AP or advanced classes are another story. Ambitious teens usually list AP Psychology, Government, and Environmental Science as favorites because they connect big ideas to current events. There’s also the brag factor—acing a tough AP class gives students confidence and street cred. But even the top students admit that taking on 14 APs, as one blog post here breaks down, can wreck your schedule and your mood if you're not careful.

Elective courses get a surprising amount of love. Computer Science, Photography, Journalism, and anything hands-on—like shop or cooking—let students feel productive and see quick results. One junior shared that building a birdhouse felt more rewarding than weeks of test prep. When classes are practical and offer a taste of an actual career or hobby, motivation skyrockets.

Health, PE, and life skills classes are also favorites among students thinking about their future. Learning first aid or personal finance seems way more useful than memorizing historical dates for them. Courses that prepare you to be independent—like money management or communication—get lots of mentions in student surveys and online forums.

What’s clear is that students are drawn to classes that aren’t just about memorizing facts. They want conversation, real-life connections, and chances to build on what they already know. Teachers, parents, and counselors can use this insight to help students pick classes that spark curiosity and set them up for success, instead of chasing prestige or filling a transcript for its own sake.