Report Card Time

Just a few weeks ago, Austen completed his first semester of high school. He was aiming for straight As but came up just short in honors physics with an 87%. So all As and one B is what his first high school transcript will show with two honors classes (Geometry and Physics). He had a study hall first semester because the goal was to get a very high GPA and help him with the transition of work at the high school level. 

Every former student that I've asked said college was easy after attending Hinsdale Central High School. It's ranked #10 in Illinois (behind several Chicago schools where you need to test in) and #252 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. It's difficult and competitive for sure. Austen has said the kids talk repeatedly about how many honors classes they are taking like it's a rite of passage. That's a lot of pressure on a kid! 

Second semester, he'll continue with two honors classes and a study hall. But next year, Austen has decided to drop the study hall both semesters and pick up pre-engineering honors. I think a lot of these kids challenge themselves to be better and do more. Most of them are choosing these classes for themselves - it's not the parents! I'm a little hesitant about him not having a study hall but he works hard and both Tom and I are proud of the work he's put in and the good grades are always a bonus - especially if you want to be a college athlete (he does) so we'll see as we get a bit closer to that time.

I'd be in trouble if I didn't mention Peyton as well. To see her actually want nothing less than an A in middle school has been surprising to us. She always seemed to be a little lazier student than Austen. She probably has more natural abilities but he worked harder. So to see her turn this around and get straight As her first two quarters in middle school with advanced math and a lot of the same teachers as Austen had was eye opening. This girl has potential too in the academic arena. Hell, she has better grades than Austen did in 6th grade if we are comparing apples to apples. I'm sure as hell they don't change the math tests much and she has blown him out of the water in advanced math (which he started in 4th grade and she just started in 6th grade). 

To say we are really proud of both of them is an understatement. Both of them know how much we value education and good grades and it seems they don't want to accept anything less than the best for themselves either. That makes us happy - as long as they try and work hard. 

Austen - 9th grade

Peyton - 6th grade