After the exemption policy was updated for the 24-25 school year, students can now exempt three classes end-of-semester exams instead of two.

“When I found out about having a third exemption I was relieved,” junior Kyle Hankerson said. “I’m not so stressed out anymore about having to do so many exams.” 

In addition, absences that now have a corresponding medical note from a licensed practitioner will not count against the exemptions, like they have in the past.

“The rule before was that even if you did have a medical note, it (counted against exemptions),” senior Courtney Colpaert said. “I lost my exemptions due to having orthodontist appointments for my braces.”

Students still must have at least an 80 and two or fewer absences in any class block they want to exempt. 

“I was ecstatic to find out,” senior Hailey Le said. “I have to watch my absences now to ensure I can be exempt.” 

The three exemptions are counted separately from the additional exemptions for AP courses and industry-based certification classes. 

“It is very nice, especially for those who are taking on a lot of course work in addition to their AP classes,” Colpaert said. “It’s nice to have a cushion towards the end of the semester.”