What to Do When Your Teen Is Failing High School: A Parent’s Guide to Support and Solutions

As a parent or guardian, watching your teen struggle in school can be heartbreaking and even overwhelming. 

If your teen is failing high school, you may be feeling a mix of concern, confusion and helplessness. But, trust us, there are proven ways to help your child turn things around. Alternative paths to graduation that may be a better fit are out there!

Here’s what you can do to support your teen and explore failing high school options that align with their needs, strengths and future goals.

1. Recognize the Signs and Root Causes

A student rarely starts failing overnight. It often begins with missed assignments, poor test scores or declining attendance. Behind those academic struggles could be deeper issues:

• Learning differences or unaddressed special education needs
• Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression
• Family or social issues
• A lack of connection to traditional school settings
• The need to work, care for a child or manage adult responsibilities

Understanding why your teen is struggling is the first step toward finding the right help for struggling students.

2. Talk (and Listen) to Your Teen

It’s important to have open, judgment-free conversations with your teen. Ask questions like:

• What’s been hard about school lately?
• How do you feel when you’re in class?
• What would help you feel more motivated or supported?

We understand that as a parent or guardian of a teen who is struggling with high school it can be challenging to start these conversations. Sometimes teens know exactly what's wrong, though, and they just need to feel safe enough to share it. Your willingness to listen and not pass judgment can make a big difference.

3. Meet with School Staff

Reach out to teachers, counselors and administrators to get a full picture of your teen’s academic situation. Ask about:

• Grades and attendance patterns
• Available academic supports or tutoring
• Credit recovery options
• Whether an alternative school program might be appropriate

Many schools want to help but may be limited in how much individual attention they can provide. That’s why exploring outside options is often the best next step.

4. Explore Alternative High School Options

If your teen is not thriving in a traditional setting, an alternative school might be a better fit. This is where Acceleration Academies can help.

Acceleration Academies offers a personalized and supportive learning environment for students who are off track to graduate. Whether your teen is dealing with personal challenges, parenting responsibilities or just needs a fresh start, we provide:

• Flexible schedules to balance school and life
• Online classes
• In-person academic coaching with caring, licensed teachers
• Modern, state-of-the-art academies
• Non-academic support services
• Credit recovery
• Personalized learning plans
• Career and life coaching

We specialize in helping students who have disengaged or fallen behind; We celebrate their potential, not their setbacks.

5. Take Action Early

The longer your teen struggles without support, the harder it can be to recover. But it’s never too late to change direction. By exploring help for struggling students and taking action now, you can empower your teen to re-engage with their education and future.

Is Your Teen Failing School? Acceleration Academies Can Help

You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Acceleration Academies is a proven alternative for students failing high school where they are seen, supported and set up to succeed.

Ready to learn more? Visit Acceleration Academies to find a location near you and take the first step toward a more supportive path for your teen’s high school education.

Find your Acceleration Academies location →