Like all high schools, Carlmont is divided into four classes: freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Many students bridge the age gap and have friends in various grade levels. However, some students treat other students outside of their class differently based on their views of them.
“Freshmen are well, freshmen. Some are nice but others are annoying little twits that you wish to squash. Sophomores are kind the same as freshman except they are my age. Some are annoying. I don’t really know any juniors, and seniors are just old,” stated sophomore Claire McKeefry.
Many Carlmont students have found themselves coexisting in classes with older or underclassmen. These students have formed various opinions on each grade level based on their in-class experiences.
“Freshmen are always viewed as the lowest on the high school totem pole and are usually noted as having the ‘freshman backpack.’ They are often looked down on by the upperclassmen, who claim they are annoying. The sophomores and juniors are always stressed about schoolwork. High school isn’t really fun for them anymore. The seniors get to do all the fun stuff and can’t wait to leave the school,” stated sophomore Lorraine Lehner.
Additionally, some students have found cooperating with other grade levels challenging and prefer to work amongst their own peers.
“I have classes with underclassmen but I really only work with them in two of my classes, with a few exceptions,” said senior Gabrielle Sue.
However, some students have found working with other grade levels enjoyable.
“I like most of the older kids at our school. I have performed in musical events with them and befriended them too,” stated freshman Cailtin Tsai.
“I like younger classmen, because they are so excited about high school and they really try hard which, as a senior, tends to not be so true anymore,” said senior Deepti Bansal.
Some students have distinguished varying treatment of each class based on grade level.
“Upperclassmen, especially seniors, have way more privileges than other grades. They get to go to prom and all the special senior class and graduation activities, and have a lot more freedom in choosing classes,” stated Lehner.
Despite differing grade levels and preconceived notions of other classes, many students believe that people at Carlmont treat each other as equals and are able to collaborate harmoniously.
Students of each class at Carlmont have varying opinions of other grade levels. As a whole, however, Carlmont’s student body appears to coincide peacefully and productively.
