Should Skipping Grades Be Allowed?

Students who excel in school are sometimes given the opportunity to skip a grade. They leave their class behind and jump ahead to learn with older students. Skipping a grade lets students take on more-challenging schoolwork. But it comes with its own obstacles. We asked our new crew of TFK Kid Reporters to tell us if they think kids should be able to skip grades. They made strong points on both sides of the issue. Here are four of their responses. Where do you stand?

Meyer Ballas, 12

Los Angeles, California

Students should be allowed to skip grades, but that doesn’t mean all students should do it. Advanced students may learn more in a higher grade, but it may be hard for them to make friends. Grade-skippers risk getting bullied for their age or academic skills.

For the kids who really want to skip a grade, go ahead. It could help bored students who don’t feel like they are learning. My grandpère went to college at 16. Because of that, he became a doctor at 24. Skipping a grade has its pros and cons, but students should be allowed the choice.

Nate Rhew, 13

New York, New York

Education is important, but so is being social. If a student skips a grade, they may struggle to find friends, and can feel left out. This can also affect learning. My sister skipped a grade and was challenged academically, but she had a hard time making friends and fitting in with older students.

Instead, schools can place students into classes based on their academic level. My old school did this for classes I excelled in, such as math and writing. I was able to socialize with classmates my age while being challenged. This is a win-win situation. I believe this should be done at more schools.

Milo Bhushan, 10

Johns Island, South Carolina

Skipping a grade is easy when you’re homeschooled, like me! I’d still have the same teacher, classroom, and friends. For kids at a regular school, it’s more challenging. Skipping a grade means taking harder classes while making friends with older kids. It could mean going to a different school. Is the extra academic challenge worth all the change and risk of social isolation?

If grown-ups think a student is smart enough to skip a grade, I think the student should be allowed to decide for themselves. They should weigh the pros and cons and choose whether it’s something they want to do.

Vivian Goldhirsh, 11

Santa Barbara, California

Students should not skip grades. Kids deserve the time to grow without being rushed through valuable experiences. Feeling this pressure could negatively affect a student’s self-confidence. Social intelligence is just as important as academic intelligence, because it allows you to find out who you are.

I think there is a better way to push students academically while letting them be social. Advanced classes offer kids the flexibility to grow as students—but, when the break between classes comes, they can have fun in a social environment that helps them thrive.

The Next Debate: Is AI good for society? Email your opinion to tfkeditors@time.com by October 21. Your response might be featured in an issue of TIME for Kids.

*Submissions have been edited only for length and clarity. They are not intended to reflect the views of TIME for Kids. Ages are accurate as of the time of submission.