My counselor won’t allow me to switch classes, and it’s really frustrating. I’ve been trying for months to move from regular Pre-Calc to Honors Pre-Calc because the curriculum is nearly identical, except for the last two units. In my first semester, I earned a high C (78), and right now, I have an 87 in Trig, which makes me feel confident about handling the Honors level.
When I approached my counselor about the switch, he informed me that I needed my math teacher’s approval. However, when I asked my math teacher, she wouldn’t change her recommendation. I told my counselor that I wanted to override her recommendation, but he said that wasn’t possible, despite his claim that I can choose my own classes.
What’s even more frustrating is that a friend of mine was in a similar situation—she got a C in math too—but her counselor allowed her to switch.
It sounds like you’re really frustrated with this situation, and that’s completely understandable. It’s tough when it feels like you’re being held back, especially when you believe you can succeed in a more challenging class. Each school has its own policies, and it seems like your counselor is adhering to the recommendations based on your teacher’s input, which can feel unfair.
Have you thought about discussing your desire to switch classes with your teacher again? Maybe you could ask her to share specific feedback on what you could improve to succeed in Honors Pre-Calc. This might help you understand her reasoning better and also show her that you’re committed to improving.
Another approach could be to ask your counselor for a meeting where you can advocate for yourself. Bring any evidence of your progress, like your current grade and your efforts in the course, to demonstrate your readiness for the challenge. It might also help to express how passionate you are about the subject and your willingness to work hard in the honors class.
Ultimately, if you still feel particularly strongly about it, it may be worth escalating the conversation to a different administrator, like the department head or an assistant principal. They might have more flexibility in making decisions about class placements.
Good luck, and I hope you find a way to pursue the path that feels right for you!