I don't have much offer. My ds14 took Honors Algebra 2 last year. This was a kid that went through 6 years of math in 3 years. That class almost killed him. It was challenging in a way he never expected. The teacher basically said from the beginning of the year that her class was much harder than anything in the text book. She did give homework harder as well. The exams were normally very long problems with a combination of skills applied together. The task didn't involve understanding individual skills but how to apply them appropriately in one question.
My DS midterm ended up taking him 2 1/2 hours. It was a real bear for him the first semester. She also took back the test, but she had extra help 5 days a week. My DS started going for extra help daily and reworking the missed problems on the exams with her. She was very helpful and supportive to help a struggling student. In the end, my DS did well in the class. It's was a very difficult class for him and it was the first time in his life he was challenged. Which probably add to his difficultly because he was getting so anxious about the class and was filled with self doubt. He had never before had to earn his grades. It wasn't a bad experience as whole, but it did involve a helpful supportive teacher.
I would really ask for a sit down with you and your son to see how the teacher and you can support him in the class.
On a side note~ My family thinks Algebra 2 was harder for them than Calculus.
