You should have your child’s report card by now and be able to make a decision on whether or not to accept high school credit for courses taken in middle school. If your student took an honors (weighted) class and made an A both semesters, it’s a no brainer, go ahead. But if they made a grade below what you generally expect of them, or if the course is unweighted, you might want to think twice. Here’s why…
There are true tales of IB seniors looking back wishing their parents had not signed off on credit for regular Spanish 1 because even though they made an A it is their only unweighted course and therefore it effectively pulls down their final GPA. Or consider that a lone B, even if it comes for a 7th grader in one semester of Algebra 1 Honors, will still prevent a student from becoming a valedictorian. Granted, this only impacts the very top of the class, but if you expect your child to be in that group come graduation time, be sure to carefully consider accepting these grades.
Even if your child is not in the very top of the class, any grade accepted now that is lower than his eventual average GPA will work against him, so it’s a good idea to take the forgiveness while you have the chance. Remember, though, that the number of total credits and the number of foreign language and math credits required for graduation will have to be completed in the future without counting any you “erase” now.
You should have gotten the form for each high school credit class your 7th or 8th grader took (typically foreign language, Algebra 1 and Geometry). You can also identify these because the year average is blank on the spring report card. Be sure to look at both the fall and spring semester grades before making a decision. There does not seem to be a copy of this form online so if you have misplaced yours you will need to visit the school to get new ones.
