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School problems....grade levels?
Ok so I'm Gracie and I'm 13 and this august I'll be starting 10th grade and I'll be taking advanced classes. I'm kinda not looking forward to it. I mean, the work isn't easy but it's not hard either so that's not the problem it's just that I don't like being the smallest and youngest kid in my classes. Is there a way for me to go back a grade so I can be in classes with kids closer to my age and still get some advance work? My dad doesn't want me to go back a few grades. He doesn't think it's a good enough reason and he says I should take classes that are more challenging so is there a way that I can go back a grade without his permission? I mean, I'm the one taking the classes not him, right?
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Wow, I remember refusing the option to skip one grade because I didn't want to be with people one year older than me. So I definitely know how you feel. It will be nice to skip those years of classwork, especially if you are already above those levels intellectually. Still, there are aspects of high school other than classwork, and jumping ahead can make you miss out on some things. Maybe try that argument on your dad. Once you finish high school you will be pushed out into the world with other students who are considered legal adults (age 18 or close to it) while you are still 15 or 16. You can't even have a driver's license at 15. It may make things hard for you socially, especially if your classmates are taller and more developed than you, or you can't find good friends who can look past age and appearance. Also, I was constantly developing on an emotional level throughout high school, and I can't imagine where I would be now if I had spent even one less year there. A shortened education isn't everything, and I can understand why you're nervous.
There probably isn't a way to override your dad at your age if he's set on this, but if you talk to school counselors and teachers, they can help work out a compromise. If you tell them you how unhappy you are with the idea, it's possible they can talk your dad into bumping you down a grade. They may also be able to connect you with other students in your situation, or help you make friends in your current classes. Being a gifted student can be awkward, what with your maturity not in synch most people, but talking to and spending time with other gifted students could help you find people you fit with.
Also, it depends on where you live, but in some places you can take classes at the high school without actually skipping grades. I was in 8th grade when I was 13... have you already skipped some grades or will this be your first time? Anyway, at the middle school I went to, there were a lot of students who walked to the high school next door for math classes. They still had lunch, recess, and some classes in middle school, but they also took high school classes. Obviously, this isn't an option at every school.
In some places you can also get dual enrollment in both grade school and college. You can earn a mix of high school and college credit, depending on the program. Look into it and see if something might work for you. Your school counselor and teachers can help with this, too. They may even know of a good program they can refer you to.
High school can be tough and skipping grades can make it even tougher, but so long as you speak up for yourself when you aren't satisfied and seek ways to make the transition easier, I think you'll do fine. I wish you the best of luck, whatever grade you end up in!
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Well gracie i know it sounds hard but someday when you are finished with school you will be happy that you finished early just think you get an early start on life and college... the other kids will accept you and be fine about you .. they may even look out for you since you are the youngest there. dont worry it will be okay... I dont think there is anyway to get back with the other kids unless you fail but you dont want to do that good luck
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