Deferring Chemistry until 12th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much for all of the help! I feel like I have a somewhat better understanding of the path my DC can take from here through graduation. It is such a help to talk to other parents. Sometimes I feel isolated and not sure if anyone else has a child not zooming ahead and aiming for Ivies. Thanks for the perspective.

OP

OP, you are definitely not alone. My son sounds a lot like yours. Right now the plan is that he'll attempt Chemistry his senior year. That way the schools that want to see it will see it on his schedule, but hopeful he'll have some rolling admissions acceptance before he has to produce a grade.

[Anonymous]

Longtime chemistry teacher here. I agree that your son may do better to conquer Algebra II before he takes chemistry: refreshing his algebra skills could serve him well.

Another thought, if you really feel that he needs chemistry to go to the college of his choice, and if you can afford a class, is to sign up for a six-week summer course in high school chemistry. Test the waters that way and see if he can handle the topic at this point in his education, or think of it as a head start for a student who could benefit from one.

[Anonymous]

My son also has learning disabilities and struggled with math. He did not take chemistry at all. He was still able to get into a nice supportive college and graduate from it.
Not everyone has to be a STEM person or act like they are. The humanities are what makes life beautiful. If that's his strength, go for it!

+1000 and I am a hard core scientist. I love all the attention that STEM gets but I hate how everyone feels like the need to be placed in a STEM box. If he is planning to follow a humanities course then focus on that GPA. The GPA is oft quoted, the list of couses, not so much.