Masuk Free Press

It is finally senior year for the class of 2025, and whether you are counting down the days until graduation, or reminiscing on the past 4 years, we are finally in the position to determine which year of high school was the best. Every year comes with its own ups and downs, so let’s break down each grade to see their pros and cons, and ultimately, what makes each one unique

Entering high school as a freshman feels like stepping into a whole new world. For many, it’s a mix of emotions. You’re no longer a “little kid,” but a high schooler. It’s the first taste of independence, with a fresh sense of freedom. Maybe a bit too much for some, given the challenge of learning how to navigate high school.

“Freshman year can be exciting as it’s the first year of high school,” said senior Isabela Lucca. “But there’s nothing much to it.”

Freshman year isn’t exactly filled with intense challenges. It’s like the calm before the storm; the stakes are relatively low, and you have four years ahead of you, so there’s not much pressure to make many huge, life-altering decisions right away. You might not yet feel completely grown up, but there’s a certain excitement in stepping into new territory and making new friends. There’s a sense of wonder about what’s to come, though, for many, it’s also a bit of a blur. 

If it were up to me, sophomore year would be completely out of the running. This year tends to fall into a bit of a gray area; you’re no longer a freshman, but you’re also not quite an upperclassman. You’ve shaken off the middle-school awkwardness, and may have found your footing a bit more. However, this year often feels like you’re just going through the motions, neither overly interesting nor particularly challenged.

“I can’t even remember many significant moments from sophomore year,” said senior Olivia Malewicki. “I kind of just got through it.” 

Sophomores might find themselves questioning the point of it all. The novelty of high school has worn off, and there’s a feeling of being “just there.” The pressure to perform academically and socially is relatively light, so it’s a time where students often coast, trying to figure out what they want to do in the future.

Many students don’t feel the need to stand out or take risks, but it can also be a time to explore interests and build friendships that might last through the rest of high school.

If there’s a year that feels like a true rite of passage, it’s junior year. Finally, you’re an upperclassman, the end is in sight, and it starts to feel real. Junior year is a turning point because you’re no longer a “kid” in high school, but rather one of the experienced students, with more freedom and responsibility than in previous years.

But with that freedom comes stress. It’s the year when the reality of the college journey begins to set in. SATs loom large on the horizon, and you’re suddenly acutely aware that every decision, from grades to extracurriculars, could impact your future. There’s an intensity to junior year that doesn’t exist in other years, as you’re preparing for the future while still dealing with the day-to-day grind of high school life.

This year is also the most academically rigorous. Many students take AP classes, honors courses or other advanced tracks that demand their best work. You may be balancing clubs, sports or part-time jobs with schoolwork, and it can feel overwhelming. 

It’s the year when you feel the weight of both the future and the present, and that mix of excitement and stress can make it both challenging and rewarding.

“Junior year was definitely very stressful, but besides starting college stuff, it was mostly fun being an upperclassman,” said Lucca. “You got to be near the front in student sections and on the front side during the pep rally.”

Senior year is undoubtedly the most anticipated year of high school for many reasons. By the time you hit this stage, you’ve made it to the final lap, and the end is in sight. College applications, senior activities and the anticipation of what lies beyond high school fill the months. But it’s also a year of big decisions.

For some, senior year is a mix of emotions with bittersweet nostalgia. There’s a feeling of accomplishment, as you’ve made it through the tough years. Now, it’s time to enjoy the final moments with your peers before everyone goes their separate ways.

But while it’s an exciting time, it can also be stressful. The college application process is notoriously difficult and time consuming, and choosing the right school can be overwhelming. There’s the pressure to make the right decision about the future, while also balancing the fun traditions of senior year.

“So far senior year is a mix of ups and downs, but the high parts are some of the best moments in high school,” said senior Deanna Ganino.

So, which is the best? Freshman year is the start of it all, full of potential, but lacking major challenges. Sophomore year might feel like an in-between phase, with little excitement. Junior year is the critical turning point where pressure increases, but so does the anticipation for the future. Senior year is the culmination of everything, filled with anticipation and nostalgia but also stress as you prepare to move on. In the end, the best year depends on your perspective.