At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Miami Palmetto Senior High introduced a new dual enrollment law course and a new debate course. It was the school’s decision to add these classes, not Miami-Dade County’s.
As of now, MPSH plans on adding even more courses in the near future. The school can expect more courses added next year; some examples in strong consideration include a dual enrollment art course along with more specific physical education courses such as one focused on CTE. Official decisions are expected to be made around the New Year.
“The point of these classes is to give kids more opportunities to earn additional college credits that they can use in the future,” principal Victoria Dobbs said.
So far, the new courses have received positive feedback. The school plans on expanding them, especially the law course, which appears increasingly promising in its first year. However, with the addition of new courses, conflicting issues may arise with older courses.
“I wouldn’t do anything to compete with our College Board classes because they’re solid and have an amazing pass rate, and the teachers and students are doing a phenomenal job. On the other hand, it may take the place of an honors course, so not only would the students get the benefits of an honors class, but they also get the GPA boost if they take the dual enrollment class,” Dobbs said.
The debate course on campus was implemented due to the success of the debate club at MPSH. It is an extremely creative class, where students learn about different parts of debate. Students have the power of creative debate and are encouraged to be imaginative.
“It’s been really cool, I’m able to critique my skills and I’m learning a lot. I do oratory, which is a part of debate, and I have really just been able to improve my skills so much,” sophomore debate class student Emry Williams said.
As MPSH moves forward, several classes are expected to be added, placing greater emphasis on different student interests.Based on the response to the law dual enrollment course and the debate elective, Panthers will likely enjoy the course additions possibly coming to MPSH.
