Bronx River has traditionally required juniors to take the English Regents in January. However, this year, the school has invited select sophomores to take the exam alongside them.

Thirteen sophomores, who were given the opportunity to take a mock Regents last month, passed the practice exam and will be taking the real thing on Jan. 21.

“I think that every student should have opportunities to challenge themselves for where they are at now,’’ said Tené Kelly, an assistant principal. “So I like that there are opportunities for students who are advanced to work more quickly and move faster and that there are opportunities for students who need more support to get more support.”

Sadia Ahammad, a sophomore, selected for taking the Regents early, shares her knowledge on the layout: “So in the first part, there is multiple choice, the second part is an argumentative essay, and the third part is an analysis text-based response.”

Jayleen Godinez, another sophomore who was selected to take part in the exam says, “I feel very lucky to be able to have this opportunity because most sophomores don’t have the same advantages as me.”

When asked about any challenges she may be facing, she said, “If I fail, I will have to retake the English Regents next year and I will feel unaccomplished.”

The sophomores who are taking the exam early were also able to attend a short Regents prep hosted by Concepcion Peña, the eleventh grade ELA teacher who  provided them with insight as to what they could expect to see on the exam and tips that could help them pass the exam.