When a teen is struggling in school, the options run from adding support where they are, to changing schools, to specialized programs for students with bigger needs. Most families do best starting with the least disruptive step that fits the problem: understand why the teen is struggling, talk with the school and any professionals involved, then decide. A big change works best when it solves a specific problem.
First, name the problem
Struggling can mean very different things, and each points to different help:
- Skills and grades. Gaps in a subject or failing courses. See when a teenager is failing classes.
- Organization and follow-through. Missing work despite understanding the material. See executive function skills.
- Attendance. Skipping or refusing to go. See school refusal.
- A learning difference or attention issue, diagnosed or suspected.
- Mood, anxiety or substance use spilling into school.
- Social problems, such as conflict, isolation or bullying.
- Fit and motivation. See how to motivate a teenager in school.
Options while staying at the current school
- Meet with teachers and the counselor to agree on a plan and a check-in date. See working with the school counselor.
- Adjust the schedule, such as moving one course to a different level.
- Request an evaluation for an IEP or 504 plan, or a review of an existing one. See the IEP and 504 plan guide.
- Add academic help: school tutoring, a private tutor or study sessions. See academic support options.
- Use credit recovery if a credit is already lost.
- Add outside structure through a weekly mentor, and outside care through a licensed professional where mood or behavior is involved.
Changing schools
A new school can be a real fresh start, but it also means new teachers, new friends and possible credit transfer issues. Common options:
- Another public, charter or private school.
- Alternative and continuation high schools with smaller classes and flexible schedules.
- Online school, which helps some students and leaves others further behind; see online school student falling behind.
- Small settings such as microschools.
Before moving, ask how credits will transfer and when. See switching schools mid-year.
Specialized programs
For students with significant learning, emotional or behavioral needs, there are special education schools, therapeutic day schools and residential programs. Placement in a specialized school is sometimes made through the IEP process. Choosing a therapeutic program is a clinical decision that should be made with licensed professionals who know your teen. Quality and oversight vary, so ask about licensing, accreditation and staff qualifications. From an education standpoint, also ask how credits are earned and how the return to a regular school will be planned; see leaving a therapeutic boarding school and coming home after a residential program.
Who to talk to before a big change
- Your teen, first and throughout.
- Teachers and the school counselor.
- The special education team, if your teen has or may need an IEP or 504 plan.
- Your pediatrician or family doctor.
- A licensed mental health professional, when mood, anxiety, substance use or behavior is part of the picture.
- An independent educational consultant, if you want help comparing schools. See educational consultant vs school counselor.
For any option, ask: what problem will this solve, how will we know it is working, and what is the plan for credits?
Where a mentor fits and where a licensed professional is the right step
A mentor is the weekly structure layer: setting goals with the teen, planning the week, following up between sessions and, with permission, coordinating with the school and professionals already involved. A mentor is not a therapist, tutor or special education advocate. When anxiety, depression, substance use, self-harm or anxiety-driven school refusal is involved, a licensed professional is the right step, and mentoring can sit alongside that care; see therapy and mentoring together. In a crisis, call or text 988. Read more about how we work with families.
Related
- Types of schools: a guide for families
- When a teen wants to drop out
- Does my teenager need a mentor?
- Mentor vs tutor
- Starting Boarding School: A Guide for New Students and Families
- Parochial and Religious Schools Explained: What Families Should Know
Common questions
Should I change my teen’s school if they are failing?
Sometimes, but first find out why they are failing. If the cause will follow them, such as missing work or anxiety, address that directly, or a new school may bring the same results.
What is the difference between an alternative school and a therapeutic school?
Alternative schools are usually public schools offering smaller, flexible settings for students who are behind. Therapeutic schools combine education with clinical care and are chosen with licensed professionals.
Can a mentor help a teen who is in therapy?
Yes. A mentor focuses on goals, routines and follow-through, while the therapist handles clinical care, and with permission the two can stay coordinated.
How long should we try a new support before changing course?
Set a check-in date when you start, often after a grading period, and decide together with the school what progress would look like.
Get started
Talk with us about what your teen needs right now. Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.