When we asked teens what was important to them about academics, more than half said it was getting good grades. When you consider that not quite a third of teens said they prioritized balancing their schoolwork with other activities, it’s no wonder that studies are also a major source of stress for them.

Doing well in middle and high school lays the foundations for further education after graduation, but that’s not the only reason teens place such importance on good grades. There’s the expectation of parents and guardians, the pressure of their peers’ academic performance, and the positive impact of good grades on their self-esteem.



There’s a lot of ground to be covered by organizations that want to help teens achieve their academic goals, beyond table stakes like study aids and test preparation. Most teens expect to continue their education after high school and would benefit from help with long-term planning. Many also express concerns about how to parlay their education into a career they want, which can be addressed by providing insights into the job market and requirements of different professions. And for those whose plans do not include traditional college, an understanding of how their current education relates to non-traditional education and career paths would be beneficial.



However, teens also told us there are downsides to the drive for top marks — most importantly, the impact on their well being.



“I feel like I amount to nothing if I don’t get good grades and it really drains my mental health trying to keep everything perfect.” — 17, Delaware



“I try hard to get good grades in school but I put my mental health over any grade or test.” — 13, Connecticut



“It really makes me feel stupid when someone else has better grades than me or when I don’t immediately understand something. I’m in all Honors and AP classes, but I don’t feel smart. I have A’s and B’s but I feel dumb if I get below a 90 on a test, which happens a lot.” — 15, Ohio



These examples are key because, alongside good grades, protecting their mental health is also a priority of teens today. But from what teens told us, while they know they need support and in many cases know where to find it, but don’t always seek it out.



Organizations that are looking for ways to help teens academically would do well to consider a holistic approach that includes tools to deal with stress. That could be the key to providing not just a single benefit, but a cascade of good outcomes since the pursuit of academic excellence is interlinked with many other aspects of their lives.



Today’s teens have a complex relationship with grades. The report card may be the finish line, but there’s an entire obstacle course between them and it. Helping them navigate those hazards can improve not just their GPAs, but their broader lives.