Can a school legally hold my child back?

You got the call - A decision has been made to hold back your child a grade. Nothing can be worse than a parent receiving a phone call or a letter from their child’s school that says your child is going to be held back. He or she will be retained in the previous grade. It is devastating. read more

To learn what criteria your child’s school is using as the basis to recommend repeating a grade, begin with the principal, district superintendent, or your state board of education. If you believe that your child is being held back unfairly, you may want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in education through websites such as the Education Law Association. read more

Possibly—guidelines vary widely from state to state and even district to district. Many districts have an appeal process in place. read more

If the child does not meet certain criteria in advancing him/her to the next grade, the school is obligated to hold him/her back. If possible, summer school or tutoring during the summer could be an option and you should discuss that with the Guidance Counselor. read more

For example, when a Florida public school child is in third grade and set to advance to fourth grade, the state of Florida gives much more power to school districts in making a decision to hold that child back. read more