A Gift of Time:

Three Benefits of Reclassing in Middle School

BY EMILY MAGNUS

“I have never known reclassing to be a bad decision,” says Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Chip Audett. “No matter the reason, reclassing gives kids more time to mature.”

What is reclassing?

In the past it was known as “repeating a grade” or “being held back” and was somewhat rare, but reclassing is now a common practice and can provide students with a growth opportunity they might not have otherwise. Commonly considered by families for athletic purposes, both educators and families are realizing that the benefits extend far beyond the sports arena.

Academic

Students who reclass have more time to prepare for high school, sharpening their executive functioning and time management skills. In boarding school, students receive individualized attention in a supportive community that intentionally builds students’ intellectual curiosity and creative problem-solving. At Cardigan, our PEAKS classes, required for every student, teach the organizational and critical thinking skills important for success in high school, allowing them to take on rigorous courses of study at high schools and colleges that may have previously seemed out of reach.  

“Boarding schools are often more challenging than public and day schools,” says Associate Director of Admissions John Bayreuther. “Students also have to learn to adapt to living without the daily guidance and help of their parents, so reclassing at a place like Cardigan can give them the time to adjust and mature.”

Students who are planning to study internationally may also benefit from an additional year of practice in a second language before becoming immersed full-time in a school far from home.

Reclassing does not necessarily mean that students will repeat the same classes. Many classes are sequential, so if a student excels in a particular subject, he can continue to the next level, no matter his age or grade level. Students can also choose from a wide range of extra-curricular activities including world languages, music composition, digital photography, and robotics. Beyond academic courses, students can participate in a number of clubs and activities that will enrich their experiences and aid in their personal growth and self-awareness. Reclassing rarely means that a student’s academic progress flatlines; rather it is an opportunity for enrichment, reinforcement, and getting ahead.

Social & Emotional

Reclassing gives students another year to grow socially and emotionally. Each child matures at a different rate, and for some another year of school provides the time needed to catch up to their peers and develop confidence, independence, and self-discipline.

In particular, boarding schools intentionally develop the whole person, providing a safe and supportive environment in which students can develop in mind, body, and spirit. Daily interactions with adults—who are not just their teachers but also their coaches, advisors, and dorm parents—ensure that a student is known and appreciated for their unique abilities. With newfound confidence and maturity, students can become leaders in the classroom, on the field, and in their dorms.

Athletic

Author Malcolm Gladwell asserted that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at something. Student-athletes who reclass have an additional year to grow physically, develop their skills, and prepare academically for their next step, providing an edge over an athlete who does not.

“There are kids whose birthdays fall at the beginning of the school year and as a result they are the youngest in their class and physical size can become a huge factor in their success, especially in athletics,” explains Mr. Bayreuther. “There are also kids who are late bloomers and just need more time to develop and catch up with their peers. Reclassing can give student-athletes the time they need to develop physically and be ready for high school and collegiate athletics.”

Reclassing can be done at any level during a student’s education. In fact, a post-graduate year between high school and college is also an option. Reclassing in junior boarding school, however, gives students many more years to take advantage of their maturity and growth. Any struggles they might have encountered in high school can be faced with more confidence and experience.

“I like to call it a proactive PG year,” says Mr. Bayreuther. “When parents call Cardigan to discuss reclassing, we tell them they are ahead of the game. Smart parents understand that repeating earlier allows their child to take advantage of the benefits earlier.”

It’s a gift of time that grows exponentially.