It is true that 4 honors classes in my H.S. is a HUGE amount of homework. And I can understand his reluctance.
Uhhhh... yeah, me too, actually. I don't think I'd do it, and I say that as the parent to a HS junior who's managed this kind of course load pretty well...
One thing I'd be wary of here-- with an "honors" section that large... it's quite likely that it ISN'T as accelerated as you're imagining. My guess is that it's a feeder class for AP, and comes with a weighted GPA, yes? Yup. It's about building college resumes, not what is taught in class-- in which case its about more-more-more-more work. (In order to justify the weighted GPA, see.) Not harder. Not faster.
This is why I am a bit conflicted.
I know the honors is not that accelerated, and mostly about getting to AP classes. No extra point till Honors Chemistry. But the regular class is very very easy. There isn't any middle ground. My older daughter took the regular class and it was perfect for her. (Not only not gifted but has LD's) I remember her teacher mentioning how he just tried making science "fun".
As to his other honors recs. Math there is no question, he is IN top honors now (got in b.c. of a specific test in 6th), doing well without any additional tutoring. Math is his strength and it shows as he grasps the material easily. I believe the honors English/social studies is because he writes/reads well without any particular effort. He is in the honors class for these subjects now, and the teacher feels his study skills are sufficient for honors. Most teachers once they get a chance to talk with him don't doubt the honors placement.
Partly with science I feel it's this particular teacher. My son got onto bad footing with her at the beginning of the year.
I am thinking of alternative options. Because of rules, having him take something this summer won't help.
