Our surveys provide insights so you can understand how important grades are to today’s teens, the pressures they face, and how organizations can holistically support student goals.

When we asked teens what was important to them about academics, more than half said it was getting good student grades. Considering 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 significant source of stress for them. Knowing the percentage of high school students who care about grades helps organizations understand the pressures students face.

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 expectations of parents and guardians, peer pressure, and the positive impact of good grades on their self-esteem. These factors contribute significantly to student priorities and teen goals.

There’s a lot of ground to be covered by organizations that want to help teens achieve their student 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. For those whose plans do not include traditional college, understanding how their current education relates to non-traditional education and career paths would be beneficial. Supporting student priorities requires a comprehensive approach that addresses academic and career aspirations. 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 teens told us that while they know they need support and often know where to find it, they don’t always seek it out. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding student priorities and providing support. Organizations looking for ways to help teens academically should 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 pursuing academic excellence is interlinked with many other aspects of their lives.

Today’s teens have a complex relationship with the idea of getting good grades. Addressing student grades as a source of stress can positively influence well-being. We know that 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 their GPAs and their broader lives. Organizations can create more effective support systems by understanding the percentage of high school students who care about grades and their broader student goals.