My child was accepted into a high school science magnet program and is in his first year with a group of hard-working and smart kids. But it is decidedly not a gifted education. Although some specialty courses are interesting (if not challenging), the core courses (honors level) are quite boring. English and foreign language are especially boring (he's not reading books or writing despite being in an honors level course). He finishes work in class and has nothing to do for 30 minutes each class period (2 hours per day total). The science and math courses are a bit better, and that was the main draw to the school. He intermittently talks with me about how he wishes his classes were more engaging and challenging. He says he does not want to change schools because of his friends he's made, so I'm trying to figure out what to do. His guidance counselor says to do more extracurricular activities, which doesn't get at the in-class problem. He says his AP social studies class is better than the others because he has to put in a little effort. He is going to take 3 AP courses next year (math at school, social studies at school, and computer programming on his own). I'd appreciate any ideas.

1. What can be done about giving him something meaningful to do for English? I've thought of reading through some classic novels/plays/poetry with him at home, but I don't really want to analyze literature, and I'm probably not great at it. He could at least read these books while waiting around in class during the day.

2. His Spanish teacher recently suggested that he skip Spanish 3 honors and proceed to AP Spanish language next year. Maybe that will help with that class (but he will also run out of foreign language class options before graduating if he does this). He is used to taking 2 foreign language classes per year at his old school. He took Latin independently last summer, but said it was unpleasant to do independently because he wasn't in class with others speaking the language.

3. Any ideas for things he could do in-class in his extra time more generally? He has his laptop that he can use quietly when he finishes work early.

4. Any suggestions for advocating for him - I'm not sure what can be done with the curriculum in a public school, but any ideas are welcome.

Thanks so much!