I think the flip side is, taking a class you’re not ready for is never wise. And at least the school doesn’t feel the OP is ready.
Taking a class and stinking up the joint is not helpful.
Are they ready ? Is it just past lack of discipline (homework issues) ? No idea. But the school spoke and they’re familiar with the student.
Op will find a fine school that fits their needs
I addressed the OP’s question which I actually try to do generally, but your statement on not scrutinizing transcript for a class like Calculus or say APUSH for non-stem is misguided imo, especially if it’s taken out of context. And btw I do some Calc tutoring on the side, and Calc Honors is not Calculus, especially the way adcoms view it. Teachers have a little more flexibility in honors since they don’t have to follow the AP curriculum, there is some overlap but the pace is different and teachers can add topics after covering the basics.
Why wouldn’t it be calculus? It may be a less rigorous course, like calculus for business majors in college, but that does not make it “not calculus”.
I browsed some of the hs curriculums that had honors calculus and it does cover many of the topics in Calc AB, so you’re probably right. I’m not a big fan of the Calc for Business courses you mention, but I probably have to change my views on those.