Most of you have heard my complaints that my son is bored to tears at school. We've tried several options - I sent him a notebook with extra (more advanced) work to do, but it made him feel isolated from the class and he didn't want to do it. His teacher gave him a "journal" where he could write and draw pictures in his spare time. He's done it so much, it's become as boring to him as the rest of the assignments. He's read so many extra books, he's beginning to not enjoy reading anymore, either. We're still supplementing at home, which he enjoys (most of the time, depending on his mood), but that does little to make up for seven hours of boredom every day. I even tried getting him into a magnet school - but students are chosen by lottery, and he didn't get in. So I'm back to square one. Should I try to get him skipped a grade? It was briefly mentioned several months ago, but only by his teacher (no one who has the power to actually do it) and hasn't been mentioned since. So I'm wondering how I should bring up this subject without sounding like an overbearing mother who is convinced her child is a genius (I used to teach - I know they have no shortage of those parents). Are there other options available? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated - we need to do SOMETHING before he loses interest in academics entirely.

Play the social and emotional well being card. That's the only one that most schoolies care about.

Request a meeting, cry over how unhappy he is, ask for ideas, be ready to nod when they suggest a trial gradeskip to see if it helps. Keep stressing that you want to see your smiling happy boy again.

Best Wishes,
Grinity