Do not slack off in your current grade because you are bored, even if the work is easy. Letting your grades slip or not turning in homework may count against you in a grade promotion consideration.
Make sure homework and all class work is turned in on time, even if you feel like the work is too easy or beneath your level.
For example, if you’d like to skip from 7th grade to 8th grade but haven’t learned trigonometry, borrow a textbook and master some of the core concepts.
You might change your mind about skipping a grade based on this, or you might come away even more convinced that it’s the right choice. For instance, if you readily understand the Quadratic Formula, maybe you can skip pre-algebra. If you’re already reading books for English class at a fast pace, the text assigned at the next grade level might provide a better challenge. If you can look through tests for the next grade level (e. g. for science or social studies classes), look to see that the material looks challenging but not impossible.
Skipping a grade means you will be placed with students likely older and more mature than your current level. If you are less developed and mature, that can be a problem. Immature students are likely to have trouble developing relationships with more mature peers. Changing grades doesn’t mean that you’ll lose old friends, but it will likely impact your relationships. [5] X Research source It may not be worth moving up a grade if it means leaving all of your current friendships behind. Going up a grade in order to avoid peer interactions is unlikely to be a good move. Instead of working through problems, learning social skills, maturing, and the like, trying to opt out will likely not serve you in later life. Skipping grade can also play out in your later school career in ways you have not considered. For example, after high school graduation, would you still be under 18? If so, that can greatly affect what you do after high school, For example, the military, many universities, and some employers will often not accept minors. You could be academically ready for the challenge but because of your age not be able to take the next step anyway. [6] X Research source
These elements of school are often just as important as the classes you’re in, and skipping a grade may effect your ability to participate in certain activities. Skipping a grade may mean you also give up time on a school team. If you graduate early, you also give up your eligibility for the field hockey team, orchestra, or debate as well.
Often the first few weeks are essentially review, and then as new concepts are introduced, the class can become much more interesting. Make sure you’re earning good grades while evaluating the difficulty of the grade level you’re in.
For example, say something like, “I’ve found all of my work in 5th grade simple so far, and think that I would be more challenged in 6th grade. I’ve already looked through most of the 6th grade textbooks, and think I can learn that material quickly. ”
Online classes. An independent study: self-directed learning (with the oversight of a teacher) of a particular field of interest. Classes through a local community college, university, or trade school. Some high schools offer credit for internships at local businesses, or non-profit organizations. For example, perhaps you can intern at a local community center, real estate office, an animal shelter, historical site, or library.
If you’d like to skip a grade but the school administrators won’t allow you, you could take a year off, homeschool, and return the following year at a higher grade level. For example, if you’ve finished 2nd grade, you could homeschool 3rd and 4th grade in a single school year and return to your original school for 5th grade.
