Can I Take a Failed High School Class Again During Summer School?

As a parent with multiple children in high school, you've likely encountered the scenario where your child needs to retake a class they failed. This can be a stressful time, especially when juggling a busy curriculum. In this article, we'll explore the logistics and considerations of taking a failed class during the following academic year, including the option of summer school.

Planning a Class Schedule

When your child needs to retake a class, it's important to consider their overall academic load. Taking a failed class alongside their regular seven classes can be overwhelming. It's crucial to balance their workload to ensure they can manage both the retake and their regular coursework effectively.

Summer School Option

One effective solution is to take the failed class during summer school. Many schools offer summer courses that are specifically designed to help students retake and succeed in a previous class. Summer school classes are often less demanding in terms of time and workload, which can help your child catch up more efficiently. Additionally, summer school courses may be more flexible, allowing your child to receive one-on-one support and extra help from teachers.

Another benefit of summer school is that it can be conducted online or on-site, depending on your school's offerings. This flexibility can work well if your child struggles with in-person learning or needs to balance extracurricular activities. Online summer courses can also be completed at a time that fits around other commitments, such as work or social activities.

Class Load Considerations

It's important to recognize that taking seven regular classes alongside a retake class can be extremely challenging. On average, one high school class typically requires about 3-4 hours of homework per week. Therefore, if your child takes seven regular classes, they would be spending around 21-28 hours each week on homework. Adding a retake class to this schedule would mean spending an additional 3-4 hours on extra study each week, totaling over 3 hours of homework daily.

This substantial increase in study time can be detrimental to your child's mental health and overall well-being. It's crucial to ensure they have enough time to relax, socialize, and participate in extracurricular activities. Overworking your child can lead to stress, burnout, and a decrease in academic performance.

Consulting with Guidance Counselors

Before making any decisions, it's essential to consult with your child's guidance counselor. They can provide valuable insights into your child's academic situation and recommend appropriate courses of action. Additionally, your guidance counselor can help you navigate the administrative process, including course selection and payment options.

Additional Resources and Support

There are several resources and support systems available to help your child succeed in their retake class. These may include:

After-school tutoring programs: Many schools offer free or low-cost tutoring services to help students who are struggling with specific subjects. Study groups: Encourage your child to form or join a study group with classmates who are taking the same course. This can provide peer support and help reinforce concepts. Tutoring apps and online resources: There are numerous online platforms and apps designed to help students with specific subjects. These can be particularly useful for subjects like math and science, where practice is key.

Conclusion

While it's important for your child to retake a class they failed, it's equally crucial to ensure they don't overload themselves with too many courses. Consider the summer school option as a feasible solution, and consult with your child's guidance counselor for personalized advice. By taking a strategic approach to course selection and seeking additional support, your child can successfully retake the class and achieve academic success.