Which classes should I take is one of the most often asked questions. Individual applicants have to look deep down inside an ask themselves certain questions concerning this. Let's be completely honest. The AVERAGE gpa of an applicant, is a 3.87. The majority of those applicants took the most challenging classes, meaning AP classes or the IB program. The few who didn't, was because the classes weren't available.
So, an individual has to look at reality. If taking the minimum required classes in school, they are a 3.5 gpa student, that makes it very difficult to get accepted to the academies. That doesn't mean one shouldn't apply. You can make up the difference with the ACT/SAT. But if you think taking AP classes are going to net you a 3.2 gpa, then that is a tough call. But honestly, the academy would rather see the lower gpa with every class being advanced, than a higher gpa with the state required classes. Again, this doesn't apply to schools where advanced classes aren't available.
You say this has been your son's dream, to attend the academy. Then what matters is, how bad does he want it and how hard will he work for it. You said he does quite well academically. That's good. So let's assume he's not the 3.5 gpa student, but rather the 3.85-4.0 gpa student. He should have no problem maintaining a 3.80+ gpa taking more advanced classes. Again, it depends how bad he wants the academy and how hard he's willing to work for it.
It looks like he's also active in extra curricular activities like CAP, robotics club, and football. That's excellent. Don't stop any of those unless he simply doesn't like it. He isn't expected to have much leadership as a freshman. He has time for that. And while the vast majority of cadets played varsity sports, they weren't all captains of their team. He can find leadership in many other areas. But if he wants the academy, then he needs to work hard for it. Take advanced classes and remain in sports and the other activities. And never allow: I don't have enough time to do it all" ever be an excuse. Most cadets did all those things and so much more. Including jobs, 200-300 hours volunteering, class officer, watching baby brother and sister so mom/dad could work, etc.
I'm glad the academy has always been a childhood dream. But it's been a dream of the vast majority who attend the academy. Including MANY who make it and quit shortly after, realizing it wasn't what they thought it would be. None of what I write is meant to discourage your son. It's meant to motivate. There are 4.0 gpa kids who are truly the best of the best. There's also some 3.5 gpa who just met the minimum ACT/SAT scores, and everything in between.
Generally, the difference between those who get an appointment and make it, and those who don't, comes down to who did the most with what was available to them. Both before and at the academy. And the best part is; if an individual truly is qualified and competitive for the academies, then she or he is equally qualified for the best universities in the country, and they'll get accepted to one of those schools if not to the academy. So all this hard work isn't a waste of time. I personally know dozens of kids who got through high school getting up at 5:30-6:00am and going to bed at 11:00-11:30pm every night, so they could do everything. And it paid off in the end. Not saying a sophomore needs to go that intense yet, but in time probably. IF they want it bad enough. Best of luck.