A small bit from life history. I was a high school senior 1958-59. Due to electives, I needed English in senior year to graduate, and found the class with about 75% goofoffs also needing English to graduate, with the remainder in my situation. Due to student crowding, a new class room and teacher had been added mid year. Two guys in the class, Jim & Fred, who ran together were Fonzie types and they would not graduate without this class as their grade points for the year was in the 50s. The new teacher was a phys ed major in the local college and he told us the class policy:
"The material I present each day will be for 20 minutes. There will be no questions asked me or answered. The remainder of the hour you may use as you see fit. You may discuss the material among yourselves, but quietly. You will not approach my desk or ask questions as I will be studying my college courses."
The three girls in the class were not accustomed to no interaction with a teacher. The amazing thing was Jim and Fred excelled, actually learning and turning themes. By graduation time, their English grades were high 80s and enough to graduate. I learned from this, that students who ask questions and break the flow of the teacher's material cause those who get it to drift off and miss the next points. I think your student needs your class structure and authority to learn. Just as Chris' son proved by going to private school. No boredom, just learning.