<p>In the local hs, he could get A/B grades, play football, presumably get involved in other ECs, be near the things he needs to be near- but possibly face some academic pressure. In the new hs, he’d have limited EC choices, still be an A/B student, the family uproots, it’s harder to get around, get to the doc and Grandma and whatever- but the school itself would limit the level of academic pressure to two honors and no APs in 9th–? </p>
<p>As you said, you are happy where you are, you can manage his academic choices at the local hs, insist he be realistic about academic schedule-until he gets his own footing, learns more about himself. And, all the while, it seems he has more opps for a rounded experience. In a convenient setting that works for the family. 9-11 is a time when they learn when to stretch and when to hang back. I think many of us have experienced this. It’s part of that growth phase.</p>