Bloomfield Hills board approves new BHHS courses including AP Research and IB Global Politics

The Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education approved new and revised course offerings for Bloomfield Hills High School on Jan. 27, 2025, citing student interest and pathways toward post‑secondary goals.

Executive Director of Learning Services Sarah Fairman presented the proposals, which included AP Research (a follow‑on to AP Seminar designed to create a two‑year research capstone), Marketing: School Store Operations (a DECA‑linked practical marketing course), History Through Film (a social‑studies elective for juniors and seniors), a General Physical Science course designed for students who need an alternate pathway to meet chemistry/physics requirements, and IB Global Politics SL/HL and IB Language & Literature courses to broaden IB options.

Trustees asked how films would be selected for the History Through Film pilot, whether a preview list and syllabus would be provided before enrollment, and whether classes are tied to specific teachers. Fairman said the department would vet selections using criteria similar to literature selection: author intent, perspective, historical accuracy and building administration review; a preview and course materials would be provided to parents in advance. On AP Research, staff said the course currently sits in the biomed pathway pilot and can be expanded to other disciplines as teacher capacity increases.

The board approved the course changes pursuant to board policy 3001 in a 6–0 vote. Staff said Bowers Academy will be able to offer any courses approved in the catalog and that the district will continue to develop CTE and pathway options aligned to state workforce goals.