17 April, 2025
6 min read
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a parent. A good school should nurture your child’s talents, support their emotional well-being, and
Sometimes, the signs are subtle. Other times, your child may be trying to tell you—but not in words. That’s why it’s important to recognize the red flags early before they start affecting your child’s confidence, performance, or mental health.
In this blog post, we’ll break down 10 warning signs your child might be in the wrong school, and what you, as a parent, can do about it.
1. Your child suddenly dreads going to school
2. A noticeable drop in academic performance
3. Loss of self-confidence or motivation
4. Your child complains about being bullied or excluded
5. Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or anxiety before school
6. No connection with teachers or staff
7. Your child is always bored or under-stimulated
8. Values taught at school don’t align with yours
9. Lack of extracurricular activities or creativity outlets
10.Your instincts as a parent say something isn’t right
If your once-eager learner now resists getting up in the morning, frequently asks to stay home, or becomes tearful before school, something is off. While occasional reluctance is normal, a consistent pattern may signal deeper issues—like anxiety, boredom, or feeling unsafe. This is a huge emotional red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
If your child was doing well academically but now struggles with homework, tests, or class participation, the issue might not just be academic. Maybe the teaching style doesn’t suit your child’s learning needs, or they’re not getting the support they require. This could lead to a cycle of frustration and underachievement.
Have you noticed your child saying things like, “I’m not smart,” or “I can’t do anything right”? That could be a sign the school environment is chipping away at their self-worth. A healthy learning environment should build your child’s confidence—not crush it. A child who no longer feels motivated to learn or try may be in the wrong space.
Bullying is unfortunately still a reality in many schools. If your child often feels isolated, targeted, or left out, and the school seems unresponsive, it’s a serious concern. Social development is just as important as academics. When a child feels unsafe or unwelcome, it affects every part of their growth.
READ ALSO: Cleaner environment; healthier students at Premiere Academy Abuja
Kids don’t always say “I’m stressed.” Instead, they show it through physical symptoms. If your child consistently feels ill—especially during school hours—but feels better on weekends or holidays, the root of the problem may be emotional distress related to their school environment.
Teachers play a huge role in your child’s life. If your child doesn’t feel seen, heard, or supported by the staff, they might not feel emotionally safe. A child who feels invisible or misunderstood is less likely to engage in learning or ask for help when they need it.
Is your child often bored or uninterested in schoolwork? This could mean they’re not being challenged enough, or the teaching style doesn’t align with how they learn best. Gifted children especially may feel stifled in environments that don’t offer enrichment or creative outlets.
If your child is being exposed to attitudes or teachings that don’t match your family’s values—whether cultural, moral, or spiritual—it can cause confusion or internal conflict. While exposure to diversity is great, values that clash with your foundational beliefs can be hard to reconcile.
A good school supports more than just academics. If your child is creatively inclined but the school has no music, arts, sports, or clubs, their potential might remain untapped. Children thrive in environments where they can explore multiple areas of interest beyond the classroom.
Never ignore your gut feeling. If you constantly feel uneasy after drop-offs, or sense that your child isn’t thriving even when everything looks “fine” on paper, trust yourself. As a parent, you know your child best. Sometimes that internal nudge is all the confirmation you need.
What to do if your child is in the wrong school
So what now?
If you recognize one or more of these signs in your child, don’t panic—but don’t brush it aside either. Start by having honest, non-judgmental conversations with your child. Ask open-ended questions, listen carefully, and validate their feelings.
Also speak with teachers, counselors, or school leaders to understand what’s going on from their perspective. If the issues persist despite interventions or conversations, it might be time to consider switching schools.
The right school can reignite your child’s love for learning, boost their confidence, and help them discover who they truly are. And when your child is happy and thriving, your peace of mind as a parent multiplies.
Need help finding a better school for your child?
That’s where Edusko comes in.
We make school search easier by helping parents connect with top-performing schools that match their child’s needs, interests, and learning style. Whether you’re looking for a school with stronger academics, better extracurriculars, or a more nurturing environment—Edusko helps you make the right choice.
Because your child deserves to love where they learn.
