I don't consider honors, and AP classes a mistake. Truth is, it takes a lot of work to succeed....these classes pay off in the end. I got out of
3 classes in college, while still receiving credit for them. I know very FEW people who get awfully low grades in those classes...BUT......and this coming from a teacher-to-be:
If you're son is trying his hardest, but getting consistently lower grades than 85% - pull him out. This is a goal EVERY student should reach towards, and is considered "mastery" of the subject matter. If it's lower, then he's not suited for the class. It doesn't mean he's dumb, or that he's quitting, it just means it wasn't for him. Everybody's different. Another option is to pick just one of the Honors classes -- that's tough, and there's really no added benefit to taking an advanced Chemistry, for example, if he's not going to be a chemist....
In my senior year of high school, I took the hardest math class my school system offered: AP Calculus BC (It was two years of Calc stuffed into one). It was
not easy...but I got a 4/5 and a 5/5 on the final exam. I had a job, I was president of two high-profile organizations (including editor of the yearbook of a school of 1700 kids), and I was working on a controller for a CNC mill in my "extra time".........I don't post this to brag, but only to say that I've been there, and I know it can be done. It takes exceptional amounts of work; and real effort in terms of time-managment.
My advise? Spend lots, lots, lots, lots of time after class with the teacher (if the teacher cooperates) and go over everything he's having trouble with.
Second, and most importantly:
ASK QUESTIONS...this is the #1 mistakes students make. They're self-conscious, or afraid, or whatever to ask questions in class...and then they struggle. The teacher is there for that reason; so use it!! "The only stupid question is the one not asked." If you don't ask, you'll never find out.
Good luck.
