Why I Celebrate My Son’s Low GPA

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You know what? I’m genuinely proud of my son, and his GPA doesn’t faze me one bit. He’s on track to graduate with the same diploma as the top student in his class, and honestly, it’s his personal growth that makes my heart swell.

Our journey started at a kindergarten parent-teacher conference. My husband and I were surprised to see the principal attending at our small private school. Our son had always been bright and imaginative—he picked up the guitar at just two years old and could sing every song from West Side Story. We assumed they were going to suggest skipping him ahead because he was so gifted.

Then, it hit us like a ton of bricks. The principal and teacher expressed concerns about auditory processing issues. We exchanged confused looks, thinking they must have mixed him up with another student. But no, they were talking about our child.

We took a deep breath and accepted the news. Sure, he might face some challenges, but we knew he had so much more to offer in life. That mindset has guided us through the last 13 years. They suggested we try simple tasks to see how he processed instructions—like asking him to get his guitar, grab his brother’s football, and close the door. It turned out he struggled with multi-step directions.

Year after year, we attended similar meetings, and eventually, he was diagnosed with ADD. By middle school, he was on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and we knew we were in for a wild academic ride.

He loved stories and being read to, but independent reading was tough. He needed repeated instructions to follow through on tasks, which made starting the school day overwhelming. When he learned about his learning differences, we reassured him that he was still a bright kid who just learned differently.

I became his advocate, determined to protect his self-esteem. I wasn’t a straight-A student either, yet I turned out just fine. We focused on teaching him that grades weren’t everything and success was about being a good person and following his passions.

As he entered high school, we shifted the focus away from academic pressure, emphasizing character, compassion, and his love for music. He understood our message and took it to heart.

One year, during an IEP meeting, his English teacher suggested he move to a remedial class. I wasn’t on board with that, especially since he enjoyed English. After discussing it as a family, we decided he could handle the regular class. The teacher’s reluctance was evident, but he eventually praised my son for his hard work.

That moment was a turning point. My son realized that no one could define him as a student—only he could. He learned to speak up for himself and turn challenges into positives. As teachers lowered their expectations, he continued to give his best effort. He accepted that he wouldn’t be a 4.0 student, and we were perfectly okay with that.

He thrived outside of school, volunteering weekly and even starting a DJ business in high school. He discovered his true talents and passions, which made him feel accomplished beyond academics.

When SAT scores came in, they weren’t great, but we didn’t worry. He hadn’t mastered the material in school, so how could we expect him to on the test? As college application time approached, we found arts-focused schools that valued creativity over high GPAs. It was refreshing to see colleges that understood different learning styles.

I have immense respect for students who excel academically, and I’m thrilled for their achievements. But I hope they’re following their own dreams, not just their parents’.

As my son received his cap and gown, tears of joy filled my eyes. He graduated with the same diploma as his peers, fully prepared to step into a world that would recognize his talents. He understands the bigger picture now—how to navigate obstacles and embrace his unique abilities. He no longer needs daily reminders of his learning differences; it’s time to shine a light on what he can do. In my book, he’s got a perfect 4.0.

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In summary, my son’s low GPA doesn’t define him. His journey through school has shaped him into a compassionate, talented individual who knows how to advocate for himself.