As 54 Million Students Head Back to School, Huntington Learning Center Shares 5 Signs Your Child May Need Academic Support

ORADELL, N.J., September 3, 2026 (Newswire.com) - Backpacks are packed, schedules are set and an estimated 54.4 million K-12 students are heading back to classrooms across the country. As families settle into a new school year, Huntington Learning Center says there is another important part of back-to-school preparation parents shouldn't overlook: determining whether their child is academically prepared and in a learning environment that meets their individual needs.

The first several weeks of school can provide parents with valuable insight into how well a student is adjusting to new teachers, subjects and academic expectations. Rather than waiting for the first report card or parent-teacher conference, families can use this period to identify changes in confidence, study habits and academic performance that may signal a student needs additional support.

"Back-to-school is a fresh start, but it is also an important opportunity for parents to pay attention to how their child is adjusting academically," said Anne Huntington Sharma, President and CEO of Huntington Learning Center. "Every student learns differently, and families are increasingly looking at what their child needs as an individual. For some students, that may mean supplemental academic support. For others, it may mean exploring a smaller, more personalized learning environment. What's important is recognizing when something isn't working and addressing it early."

That proactive approach is increasingly resonating with parents. A recent national survey commissioned by Huntington Learning Center and conducted by YouGov found that among families whose children receive tutoring or supplemental academic support, nearly six in 10 (58%) first began during elementary school. The survey also found that 41% of parents agree students benefit from additional academic support beyond what they receive in school.

Five Signs to Watch During the First Weeks of School

As students adjust to a new school year, Huntington Learning Center recommends parents watch for these potential signs that their child may benefit from additional academic support:

1. Homework is consistently taking longer than expected.

Some adjustment to a new workload is normal, but regularly spending excessive amounts of time on assignments may indicate that a student is having difficulty understanding the material or is missing foundational skills needed for the new grade level.

2. Your child begins avoiding certain subjects or assignments.

Statements like "I'm just bad at math" or resistance to reading, writing or completing homework can point to more than a lack of interest. Avoidance may signal that a student is struggling with the material or beginning to lose confidence in his or her abilities.

3. Foundational skills from the previous grade seem shaky.

New concepts often build on skills learned in previous years. Difficulty recalling multiplication facts, understanding reading passages, organizing writing or applying other foundational concepts can make it harder for students to keep pace as new material is introduced.

4. Your child's confidence or attitude towards school changes.

Academic challenges don't always first appear as a low grade. Parents may notice frustration, reluctance to go to school, negative comments about certain subjects or a child who suddenly says "I can't" do something he or she previously approached with confidence.

5. Early feedback from teachers points to an area of concern.

Parents don't have to wait for a formal conference or report card to communicate with their child's teacher. Early feedback about participation, comprehension, organization or skill gaps can help families determine whether a student may benefit from additional support.

Why Early Action Matters

Waiting until a student receives a poor report card can mean losing valuable weeks or months when a challenge could have been identified and addressed.

Huntington encourages parents to think about academic support as part of a student's broader educational team. Teachers and schools provide an important foundation, while families and supplemental academic resources can work together to help students strengthen skills, close learning gaps and build confidence.

"The goal isn't to put more pressure on students at the beginning of the school year," Anne Huntington Sharma said. "It's to understand what students need to feel capable and confident. When parents identify those needs early, they have more options to help their child build momentum before the school year becomes more demanding."

Parents can also help students transition back to school by establishing consistent homework and sleep routines, creating a distraction-free study environment, encouraging daily reading and maintaining open communication about what feels easy and what feels challenging.

When Academic Support May Mean Rethinking the Learning Environment

For some families, back-to-school season can raise a bigger question: Is my child's current learning environment the right fit?

While tutoring and supplemental academic support can help students strengthen specific skills or address learning gaps, some families may be looking for a more individualized approach throughout the school day. Growing interest in alternative education models, including microschools, is giving parents another option to consider when a traditional classroom environment may not meet their child's academic needs or learning style.

Micro School Powered by Huntington Learning Center offers a private K-8 learning environment that combines small-group learning with individualized instruction. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, personalized learning plans and a curriculum that includes reading, writing, math, science and social studies, the model is designed to provide students with focused instruction while giving families greater visibility into their child's academic progress.

"Parents know their children better than anyone, and there isn't one educational path that works for every student," Anne Huntington Sharma said. "What we're seeing is a greater willingness among families to explore their options. That could mean tutoring to strengthen a particular skill, ongoing academic support or a smaller school environment that provides more individualized attention. The common thread is meeting students where they are and helping them make meaningful progress."

For students who may need additional academic help, an evaluation can provide a clearer picture of existing strengths and potential skill gaps and help families determine what type of support may be appropriate. Families considering a different educational environment can also explore whether smaller, more personalized models such as microschools align with their child's needs.

With millions of students beginning a new academic year, Huntington Learning Center encourages families to view the first 60 days not simply as an adjustment period, but as an opportunity to pay attention, ask questions and determine what their child needs to succeed throughout the school year and beyond.

About Huntington Learning Center

Huntington Learning Center is the nation's leading tutoring and test prep provider. For nearly 50 years, Huntington has helped students build the academic skills, confidence and motivation they need to succeed through personalized programs in reading, writing, math, phonics, study skills and test preparation.

Building on its individualized approach to education, Huntington also offers Micro School Powered by Huntington Learning Center, a private K-8 educational model designed around small-group instruction and personalized learning at participating centers.

For more information about Huntington Learning Center, visit HuntingtonHelps.com.

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SOURCE: Huntington Learning Center

Source: Huntington Learning Center