http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls The transition from elementary to middle school for my 12 yr old boy has overwhelmed him. Elementary school was hard (academecly) to begin with but he made it through and now, to add to that there's girls. He grades hit rock bottom (all F's) but his popularity and friends sky rocketted he was even popular among 7th & 8th grade girls. I have stressed to him that looks are not everything but can't seem to get him to focus on school. A friend of mine suggested to switch from public to charter for better academics. Could this be a wise choice?? (I realize there's girls there too!) Help!!!! GreatSchools en-us 1seremen As other suggested, get your son busy with many after school programs.I know, girls and boys talk is a major distraction in elementary and middle schools, but continue to do ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=1#comment_596181 5100.596181 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:04:39 -0700 LisaTaj The question of academics and grades do not have to involve his natural need for friendship and validation from his peers. His popularity does NOT have to preclude him from ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=1#comment_586489 5100.586489 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:23:12 -0700 Slugger12 You should sit your son down and say "Sweet heart, I know that you are becoming a teenager, but now is not the time to focus on girls. You really ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=1#comment_539585 5100.539585 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:40:25 -0700 jcockhern i am having the same problem with my 13-year old soon to be 8th grader who has been in a public middle/high school setting since 6th grade. during 7th grade ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=1#comment_535050 5100.535050 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:16:17 -0700 TeacherParent If your charter schools are smaller than your public school that can sometimes help the struggling student. In any smaller school, a student can get more attention from their teachers ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=1#comment_529780 5100.529780 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:25:37 -0700 filipina96 Let's take it from a 13-year old girl's point of view. I have friends who focus more on the opposite ex more than school. Me, it's just half and half ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=2#comment_502559 5100.502559 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:41:48 -0700 TeacherParent Why was elementary school hard? Has your son ever been tested? How are his reading skills? It's true that Middle School is very different from elementary school but the fact ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=2#comment_454137 5100.454137 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:00:54 -0700 MSMomm I also have a 12 year-old son who just completed 7th grade in a public school. He does talk about girls, and would very much like to have a "girlfriend" ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=2#comment_453981 5100.453981 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:33:15 -0700 healthy11 Hi. Charter schools are a type of public school, too. http://www.greatschools.net/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/charter-schools.gs?content=70They may place more emphasis on certain types of subjects or topics, instead of following the standard curriculum...They may have ... http://community.greatschools.net/q-and-a/453857/How-can-I-get-my-pre-teen-to-focus-more-in-school-and-not-girls?cpage=2#comment_453941 5100.453941 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:33:20 -0700