Valid Reasons To Switch Classes In Middle School

Deciding whether or not to switch classes in middle school can be a tough decision. You want to make sure you‘re in the right classes to support your education and interests. But changing your schedule mid-year can also be disruptive.

So when is it worth requesting a class change? Here are some of the most valid reasons to consider switching classes in middle school, along with tips for making it happen smoothly.

The Course Material is Too Easy or Challenging

One major reason students switch classes is because the course material is either too simple or too difficult. If the class isn‘t at the right level for you, it can be hard to stay engaged and motivated.

The Class Moves Too Slowly or Quickly

"I remember sitting in my 8th grade math class absolutely bored to tears," says Susan, 13. "We were reviewing really basic concepts I already knew well. I would finish the worksheets in 10 minutes while the other kids took 30-40 minutes. I was just wasting time waiting for them to catch up."

Susan ended up transferring to an advanced algebra class where she could learn at a pace that was stimulating and challenging.

On the flip side, classes that move too rapidly can also warrant a change. "In my 7th grade English class, I felt like I was drowning trying to keep up," shares Amir, 12. "The teacher would assign us a chapter to read every night, but I needed more time to really understand the content. I would stay up late trying to finish, then be exhausted the next day."

Amir changed to a class with a less accelerated pace, giving him sufficient time to read and process the material.

You‘ve Already Mastered the Material or Are Falling Behind

If you realize you‘re far ahead of or far behind your classmates, it likely means the class isn‘t the right fit. "I took an Italian class because I wanted to learn a new language, but on the first day I found out it was for complete beginners. I‘m already fluent since my family is Italian!" explains Sara, 13. "I would have been totally bored just learning colors and numbers, so I switched to French which was more challenging."

On the other hand, struggling to grasp concepts that your peers seem to understand can be an indication that you need more support. "I felt so lost in my science class," says Tyrone, 12. "When the teacher would ask questions I never had any idea of what the answers were. Everyone else seemed to be following along fine. I knew I needed a class where I could get more help and not feel so behind."

The Course Isn‘t Intellectually Stimulating Enough

If you‘re not being challenged in a class, it‘s understandable to crave a change. "My history class mostly focused on memorizing dates and events," describes Riley, 13. "I enjoy learning about how events influenced each other and analyzing the driving factors behind historical moments. The class wasn‘t intellectually engaging enough for me. I wanted to really think critically about what we were learning."

Riley switched to a more discussion-based humanities class that offered the thought-provoking analysis they desired.

If any of these scenarios resonate with you, don’t hesitate to speak up. Being in a class that’s at the wrong level can make it difficult for you to be successful or excited to learn.

You Have a Scheduling Conflict

Another reason you may need to modify your schedule is because of a conflict where two classes overlap or don‘t fit.

Two Classes Are Scheduled at the Same Time

This can be one of the most frustrating scheduling issues. Maria, 13, ran into this problem first semester. "I was so excited to take both robotics and photography class. When I got my schedule on the first day, I realized they were both 6th period on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There was no way I could take both!"

After discussing the situation with her counselor, Maria decided to change to take photography 2nd semester so she could still take both classes she was interested in.

You Need a Specific Class to Graduate

In some cases you may find you’re missing a class required for graduation. "In 8th grade, I realized I was short an English credit from 7th grade," explains Tomas, 13. "I ended up taking two English classes in 8th grade to make sure I got that credit. It was a heavier workload but allowed me to stay on track."

The Class Interferes with Extracurriculars

If a class conflicts with sports, clubs, or other activities you‘re passionate about, it‘s worth considering a change. "I made the soccer team, but then found out soccer practice was during 9th period on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which was when I had art class," says Emma, 13. "Art was an elective so I decided to switch to a different class that didn‘t overlap."

Personality Clashes with the Teacher

Another justification for changing classes is having trouble getting along with or learning from the teacher. Different teaching styles work for different students.

Your Learning Styles Don‘t Mesh

Maybe you‘re a visual learner but your math teacher only uses lectures. Or perhaps you‘re an auditory learner but your English teacher always shows movies.

"My Spanish teacher loved to talk and tell stories about her travels," shares Luis, 13. "It was interesting, but I struggled when that took up most of the class time. I really wished we could practice conversation in partners or small groups, which is how I learn best."

The Teacher Has Unrealistic Expectations

Teachers with exceptionally high standards can sometimes set unrealistic goals. "My biology teacher expected us to memorize 60 vocabulary words each week on top of heavy content reading," explains Olivia, 14. "I studied nightly but still got C‘s on her weekly quizzes. Her standards were through the roof. I met with my counselor and transferred to a different class that had more attainable expectations."

You Don‘t Feel Comfortable Asking Questions

The classroom environment also plays a key role. Do you feel supported and free to ask for help? Or are you intimidated to speak up?

"My history teacher would get annoyed when students asked questions," recalls Marco, 12. "If you needed help or clarification on an assignment, he would make you feel dumb for not understanding the directions. I didn‘t feel comfortable asking questions, which made it hard for me to learn."

Marco was able to change to a class where questions were encouraged.

The Class Isn‘t What You Expected

In some cases, a class can end up being very different from what you anticipated or were led to believe. This mismatch in expectations can be a valid reason for a change.

The Description Was Misleading

"I signed up for ‘Creative Writing‘ because I thought it sounded fun and interesting. On the first day, the teacher said we would be focusing on grammar rules and sentence diagramming. That‘s not creative at all!" explains Lily, 13.

If a class turns out to be something other than what was advertised, it makes sense to find one better aligned with your interests.

It‘s Not Challenging or Interesting Enough

Alternatively, some classes simply aren‘t engaging or intellectually stimulating. "I was so excited to take Photography, but it turned out to be very boring. We just learned rules of composition and camera settings. I thought we would actually be taking photos and developing them in the darkroom," says Cassidy, 13.

Don‘t settle for a class that doesn‘t grab your attention. Explore other options that will motivate you to learn.

You Don‘t Need it for Your Career Goals

As you envision your future aspirations, some classes may not be relevant. "All I want to do is make video games when I grow up. I didn‘t understand why I had to take a cooking class," explains Aidan, 13. "It felt like a waste of time when I could have been learning coding instead."

Seek out classes that will give you skills, knowledge, and experience related to your dreams.

Tips for Requesting a Class Change

If you‘ve decided a class change is right for you, here are some tips to help navigate the process successfully:

Talk to Your School Counselor First

Your counselor is there as a resource. Discuss your situation with them privately to get their advice. They can walk you through the proper protocol at your school.

Be Honest About Why You Want to Switch

Clearly explain your reasons for wanting a change to your counselor and parents. This transparency will help them understand your perspective and needs.

Have Alternative Classes in Mind

Come prepared with one or two other specific classes you‘re hoping to get into. This demonstrates you‘ve thought it through.

Get Your Parents‘ Support

Your parents can advocate for you. Update them on how you‘re feeling about the class and enlist their help speaking with the school.

Provide Any Relevant Documentation

If you have a doctor‘s note regarding your needs, diagnostic testing results, or other paperwork to support your request, share it with the counselor.

Potential Drawbacks of Switching Classes

While switching classes can be positive, there are also some potential downsides to keep in mind:

May Be Disruptive Mid-Semester

Changing classes in the middle of a semester interrupts the flow you‘ve established. It can take time to adjust to new teachers and classmates.

"I switched math classes in October. It was tough joining when friend groups were already formed and the new class was further along in the book," recalls Luke, 13. "I felt out of the loop."

You Won‘t Have Established Connections

Entering a class mid-year means you won‘t have the same bonds or inside jokes that other students have built over months together.

"Everyone seemed to already know each other in my new English class. I felt left out," shares Zoe, 13.

Might Miss Important Material

Depending when you switch, you may have gaps in your knowledge from material the class already covered.

"I missed a few chapters changing history classes in November. I had to do extra work on my own to catch up," explains Tyler, 12.

No Guarantee You‘ll Get Your Preferred Class

There are limits on seats available. The new class you request might be full or have unavoidable conflicts with your schedule. Be open-minded.

"I wanted to switch to photography, but it was totally booked. I ended up in creative writing instead, which I ended up really enjoying!" says Emma, 13.

Conclusion

While every situation is unique, there are quite a few potentially valid reasons to consider switching classes in middle school. Don‘t force yourself to stay in a class that is the wrong level, conflicts with your schedule, or simply isn‘t a good match with your learning preferences or goals.

That being said, carefully weigh the pros and cons and timing of a change to minimize disruptions. Get support from your counselor and parents, and come prepared with well-thought-out alternative options as you propose a schedule change. Speak up advocated for yourself, but also stay flexible. With some perseverance you can find the right classes to set you up for an engaging, empowering middle school experience.