Sophomore Slump is described as a decline in academic performance during a student’s second year of high school. Many students’ quality of work starts to fall, and grades drop. The majority of GHS students experienced a slump during their second year, but no two students have experienced this slump in the same way. Everyone experiences their sophomore slump differently.
Avery Ziegler ‘25 said that during her slump she struggled to find motivation in her math class and fell behind after her shoulder surgery. Because of how behind she was, Avery almost failed Wood’s class. “The only thing I would feel like doing was making TikToks and crying,” She said.
Claire Oberbroeckling ‘26 commented about her slump and said, “It hit me towards the end of the year, I just wanted the school to be done with.” Her slump hit her so hard that teachers would come up to her and ask if she was doing Ok.
Cameron Einsweiler’s ‘26 slump hit her every time she had to do anything chem-related. “I would not do my chem homework until 5 minutes before class,” she said.
Sophomore Ell Law is currently in her slump. “I wake up for school 20 minutes before I have to leave and I dress like a bum every day,” she stated. Law hopes to get out of her slump soon, she’s noticed it’s taken a toll on her school and her emotions. She wants to feel normal and happy again.
Some students, however, had the luxury of not experiencing this slump. When asked, Mason Smith ‘26 brags about escaping the classic ‘sophomore slump’. “Every day was the same, nothing got harder and nothing got easier. It was just a repeat, I didn’t have to try any more than I needed to,” he said. Mason didn’t see what the ‘hype’ or common factor was about sophomore year it was just another simple year.
Cael Ozee ‘25 agrees, he states that it was the peak of his life. “It was the best year of my life and I got to do my favorite plays like Totally Rockin’ 80s Prom and Clue.”
Mrs. Bookless teaches English II and sometimes has to deal with kids in their slump, “I try to teach kids things that they will find interesting while also meeting the things that I have to teach.” said Bookless.
Guidance Counselor Brooke Deppe stated, “I try to help kids keep their eyes on the prize to keep their heads up and finish the school year strong.”
Principal Hawkins also wonders the same question these teachers face. “How do we help students escape the sophomore slump?” she said. “I always try to figure out what the root of the problem is. I always make sure to listen to the students and understand what’s happening. Then I try to help create a plan that will help them.”
The sophomore slump is a common experience for many high school students, but it’s important to remember that it’s not inevitable. While some students may find it challenging to navigate this transition, others may be able to overcome it with the right support and strategies. By understanding the factors that contribute to the sophomore slump and seeking assistance from teachers, counselors, or peers, students can increase their chances of successfully navigating this academic hurdle.
