Ep 11. Bates Make The Grade

The show Bringing Up Bates follows the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, who have 19 children ranging in age from toddler to adult. In season 4 episode 11, titled Bates Make The Grade, the family is busy with school activities and preparation for the upcoming final exams.

The episode begins with Kelly Jo organizing the annual homeschool co-op, where the Bates children are able to take classes with other homeschooled children in the community. Kelly Jo teaches a drama class, where the children work on memorizing lines for a play they will perform at the end of the school year. The younger children are excited to be at co-op and socialize with their friends, while the older children are focused on their studies and upcoming exams.

Back at the Bates' home, Nathan is studying for his EMT certification. He recently completed the course and is now preparing for the certification exam. Kelly Jo observes that Nathan's studying habits have matured and he is taking his studies seriously. Meanwhile, Josie is preparing for her GED exam. She left school early to start her career in Cosmetology, but is now working towards finishing her high school diploma. Kelly Jo and Gil are happy to see Josie working towards her education and setting goals for herself.

Later, the Bates family participates in a family field trip to a local bee farm. The family has been studying bees as part of their science curriculum and the outing helps them better understand the inner workings of a bee colony. The younger children are fascinated with the bees and enjoy getting up close to the honeycomb. The older children make connections between the bees' work ethic and their own studies.

As the final exams approach, the older Bates children are starting to feel the pressure. Erin, who is homeschooling her two oldest children, is focused on getting them ready for their exams. She is working extra hard to make sure they are prepared and confident in their studies. Michael is also feeling the pressure to do well on his exams. He is looking to pursue a career in law enforcement after high school and knows that good grades will be necessary.

The episode concludes with the family coming together to support each other during exam week. As the children take their exams, the family cheers each other on and helps each other study. Kelly Jo is proud of the hard work her children have put in throughout the school year and is hopeful for their future success.

Overall, Bates Make The Grade highlights the importance of education and family support. The Bates family is clearly committed to their children's education and is constantly seeking ways to make learning fun and impactful. The episode also shows how the family works together to achieve their goals, whether it be studying for exams or pursuing career paths.