I quit! I'm so sick of high school!?

Question

I've gotten straight As since 6th grade. I've been labeled "gifted." I've been in all the so-called "advanced" classes. I'm not some sort of drug-addicted bum who's tired of making an effort. School is honestly ruining my life! I'm force-fed information that I'll forget in a week, and that doesn't matter in the first place. How many adults have needed to know the tiny details of Assyrians' military innovations in order to do their job? How many adults remember HALF of what they "learned"?
I spend six hours a day being bombarded with useless information. Then, when I get home, I can't research the things I'm really interested in because I have no energy. It consumes my life and it's pointless and condescending. The switch to online school didn't help, either.
Now I'm trying to figure out what to do. Drop out and get my GED? Unschool? Just stop making an effort and get Fs and not give a **** because grades are stupid anyway? I'm tired of playing along. What should I do now, then?

Yeah, my elective classes would be fun if they were any good. It's the watered-down, idiot's version of things, invariably. I don't need a class to learn things I'm interested in. And I certainly wouldn't go to five classes I hate just so I can go to two classes I don't.

I don't need to go to school to discover things I'm interested in, either. I'll learn about Assyrian military innovations if and when I discover that my calling is history.

"As an employer why should I hire you if you can't suck-up to a little monotony. Most jobs are monotonous at some point"
God, I hate this argument. I've been "sucking up to a little monotony" for years and years, and I'm sick of it. If you have a job you hate, you do it until you can find another job. And I know I can find a "job" other than high school. I talked to a couselor who actually gave me the idea of getting my GED and entering college early.
Whatever. I just needed to vent. I knew what everyone would say. No one can get past the stereotypes and misconceptions of today's society...

Answer 1

Sixteen years ago I was in your shoes. I was in top honors courses...good student etc.. I had many of the same arguments that you are sharing. And I ended up quitting high school 5 days into my senior year...got a GED and did not go to Community College..(immediately) I went on Grateful Dead tour...Traveled the country and lived in some amazing places. I gained knowledge of organic farming, herbalism, midwifery and more.
I do not recommend quitting high school...it will affect your life.... like it or not....
but do not think that people are right to say that you will be "flipping hamburgers" the rest of your life or working for nothing either. This fear is placed on people, by high school teachers and such.
You can choose to go to college later in life....if you want. What are your true interests? I suggest home schooling yourself!! I have had friends do this, and they got to study what they liked and graduate. You seem to have the intelligence, go for it. Find a homeschool advocacy group in your area for advice. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

You're right, a lot of things taught are useless. They teach a wide range of information in case you do take a job up that needs that, and to help you find what you're interested in to decide on a job. I'll use yours as an example. The Assyrian military innovations. If you find you are extremely interested in this, this will help you to decide you may want to do something along the lines of a historian. If you didn't think about that, but later DID become a historian for some reason, then you may think back to high school at what was most interesting in history classes, and choose that to be your specific major. Try to get through it all. It can get boring, annoying, and just down right stupid, but if you get through, you will be rewarded with a chance at better jobs and colleges than with a GED.

Answer 3

I really, really, really, really don't wanna sound mean, but do u really expect people to feel bad for you?! Millions of people in the world have gone through elementary, junior high/middle school, high school, and college. And they're being rewarded with top notch jobs. You know ur smart. Ur in honors classes and have straight A's. If u just stay in school, and keep the grades up, you'll get into a really good college and get a really good job and get a lot of money, and be happy with yourself.
I'm not one to talk, because I don't officially become a freshman until next Tuesday, but I'm absolutely SURE that high school isn't horrible enough for me to drop out.
Think about what ur life would be like if you dropped out. Then think about what ur life would be like if u stayed in school. Pick which one u like best. I'll bet u all the money I have that u picked the second one.
I doubt high school's that horrible. I mean, yeah, u probably learn a bunch of useless crap that u'll just end up forgetting. But it's all worth it.

I hope you'll make the right decision.

:)
~Maddie!

Answer 4

Everybody (I think) (including me) feels this way at some point!!! I mean, sometimes I wonder like...WHEN AM I GOING TO USE THIS IN MY LIFE? Then I realize that it is nice to learn. I'm exercising my brain and preparing for the future!!! It may seem useless, but you could always switch to an easier class or try and have at least a little bit of fun with art class or something along those lines. Sometimes I feel like society is forcing us to be robots who do useless work all day. It gets on my nerves at times and makes me feel OVERWHELMED!!! What's a girl to do though??? At least we're gaining more knowledge!!! That's always good!!! Just get your priorities straight-do the schoolwork, but save some time for fun!!! Positive thinking would dramatically improve the situation as well!!!

Answer 5

As a gifted student you are bored with the mundane, as many of us are. And many gited kids drop out for all the reasons you mentioned.
As an employer why should I hire you if you can't suck-up to a little monotony. Most jobs are monotonous at some point.

Focus on your passions. What is it you love, what are you planning to do with your life? Are you around friends who drag you down or who also are as gifted as you? You need to have something to do that you love so much that nothing else matters, that you can do after school, then going through the motions aren't so tiring.

Answer 6

It sounds to me like you are not being challenged, and thus simply bored with the "useless" information that you are being bombarded with.
First I think you should talk to a guidance counselor or your principle and tell them how you feel, They may have an answer that you are unaware of due simply to your age and experience.
Secondly, I think you already know that if you decide to quit or simply quit trying and bottom your scores out, Your options become SEVERELY limited. If you have the brain power that you cite, then you have nothing standing in your way...Other than society's conventions....So hold your head high knowing that your may very well be smarter than the teacher.
GRADUATE towards the top of your class IF not the top and then set yourself on a path that does challenge you.
Go out and find an inexpensive cure for cancer, a new propulsion method, or other such innovation that would help mankind.

IF you choose to lower YOUR standards, Why should I raise them for you?

Answer 7

I am in 8Th grade and I am too in gifted and advanced. Don't drop out, because then some jobs won't want you there unless you are willing to say "Would you like fries with that?" so if you want a good future, not end up in the streets, then stay in school. And if you have no energy, to the smart thing and actually go to bed. I need to start doing that but it does work.

Answer 8

PLEASE don't give up. My son was a senior last year and went through something similar and went into a depression. He stuck with it and got through things and I was a proud mom at graduation. It may seem like you won't use the information, but you never know. It is so IMPORTANT to get your diploma and you will be so glad you did. Talk to your school counselor, your teachers and even your parents. Just don't give up. GOOD LUCK. Think positive and maybe even think about a club.

Answer 9

High school is fun. Think about all the electives you take. Your electives decide on what kind of career you will have in the future. Just think of the academic classes as helping you become a well-rounded person.

Answer 10

at my school i am in the honors classes and i am in the math class in a grade above mine. seriously, i can not stand it. but you just have to stick with it. don't quit.