S.
It sounds like he needs to be in an advanced class room. I bet he is getting bored with his work and he is not being challenged enough so he is resorting to filling his time and that is with goofing off. does the school offer some a/p classes or could you put him in a more progressive school that would allow him to work at his pace and advance himself. I think he just needs more to do and the class clowning will be put aside so he can focus on his work. He sounds like a terribly smart kid and that needs to be nutured and encouraged, without discouraging his great attitude and love of life. I wish you the best and I too am getting ready to go back to school and work on my Master's so I feel your AHHH. Good luck.