10 Reasons Why Many Students Struggle in High School (And How to Change the Story)
By Boluwaji Ojajuni
Every parent dreams of seeing their child succeed in school. We all want to celebrate good grades, watch our children confidently walk into their future, and one day hear them say, “Thank you, Mum. Thank you, Dad. I made it.”
But let’s be honest—many students are struggling. They are bright, intelligent, and full of potential, yet their report cards don’t reflect it. Some parents assume their children are lazy. Others think maybe they’re just “not good in school.”
The truth is different. Most struggling students are not failures—they are simply fighting battles no one has taught them how to win. As a passionate teacher and mentor, I have worked with hundreds of students, and I have identified the real reasons why many don’t do well in high school.
Let me share them with you.
1. Lack of Content Retention Techniques
Does this sound familiar?
“Dad, I understand when the teacher explains in class, but during exams, everything disappears.”
That’s not laziness—it’s a retention problem. Without proven strategies for retaining knowledge, students will forget what they learn. Every child needs mentorship in memory techniques, active recall, and content mastery.
2. Negative Attitude
Your child’s mindset is everything. A bad attitude is like a flat tyre—you cannot go far until you change it.
Attitude shapes discipline, focus, and determination. With the right attitude, even an average student can rise to excellence.
3. Poor Reading Culture
Too many students read only when exams are near. Some open their books but quickly fall asleep. Why? Because they have not built a sustainable reading culture. Learning must become a lifestyle, not an emergency.
4. Unstable Home Environment
When home is full of fights, neglect, or tension, a child’s heart is heavy in school. Peace at home fuels performance at school. Parents must understand that academic success is a partnership between home and school.
5. Lack of Study Habits
Studying is not “just sitting with a book.” It is a science. Students must learn how to plan study sessions, take notes, review, and self-test. Without study habits, time spent with books becomes unproductive.
6. Wrong Circle of Friends
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good morals.”
The people your child hangs around with can either sharpen them or destroy them. Show me their friends, and I’ll show you their academic future.
7. Poor Revision Techniques
Reading is not the same as revising. Studying is not the same as revising. Revision means organizing topics, breaking them down, and practicing without leaving anything behind. Students who don’t revise properly enter exams unprepared.
8. Lack of Parental Support
Some parents think paying school fees is enough. But it isn’t. If you don’t know your child’s class teacher’s name or phone number, you are leaving their success to chance. Your involvement matters—encouragement, accountability, and partnership with teachers are critical.
9. Wrong Sitting Position in Class
If your child is struggling, don’t let them sit at the back. The front rows keep them alert, less distracted, and more engaged. Teachers should rotate sitting positions, but students must also position themselves for success. Remember: if nothing changes, nothing changes.
10. No Personal Study Timetable
Without a timetable, most students read randomly. But success doesn’t happen by accident. A timetable helps them balance subjects, revise systematically, and remain consistent. It is the air traffic control system of a student’s academic life.
Final Thoughts for Parents and Teachers
Dear parent, your child is not a failure. They only need guidance, mentorship, and discipline to turn things around. The difference between struggling and excelling often comes down to the right habits, the right mindset, and the right mentor.
That’s where I come in.
I am Boluwaji Ojajuni, a passionate teacher and educational mentor. I help students build retention skills, reading cultures, study habits, revision strategies, and the right mindset for excellence.
📌 Here’s My Call to You
Don’t wait until the next report card breaks your heart. Give your child the mentorship they need today.
✅ To enroll your child in my Success-Maker Mentorship Program or to invite me to work with your school, call or WhatsApp me on 08102326329.
👉 Share this article with parents, teachers, and school leaders. Together, we can raise a generation of excellent students.
