What Helps Kids Succeed in School? Science Points to the Power of Positive Experiences

How after-school activities, safe neighborhoods, and family support set the stage for academic success—and what parents can do to help.

Why relationships, routines, and resilience matter more than you might think

When we think about helping our kids succeed in school, we often focus on test scores, homework habits, or class sizes. But a growing body of research is pointing to something just as powerful—positive childhood experiences, or PCEs.

A 2021 study shows that when kids have access to enriching activities, caring adults, and stable home and neighborhood environments, they’re more likely to stay in school and succeed academically. These findings aren’t just opinion—they’re grounded in science, using nationally representative data from over 33,000 families.

Let’s break down what this means for parents—and how you can be part of the solution.

What Are PCEs?

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are the kinds of nurturing interactions and environments that help kids grow up healthy and resilient. This includes:

Participating in after-school activities like sports, clubs, or music
Living in safe, supportive neighborhoods
Having a trusted adult outside the family to talk to
Being able to share ideas with a caregiver
Volunteering or doing service work
Feeling that the family works together through tough times (a concept known as family resilience)

These aren’t luxuries—they’re protective factors that build emotional strength, confidence, and school readiness.

What Did the Study Find?

Using a cross-sectional analysis (a type of study that looks at a large population at one point in time), researchers from the University of South Carolina explored how PCEs were linked to two common challenges to school success:

Chronic absenteeism (missing 11 or more days of school per year)
Repeating a grade

Here’s what they found:

Kids who participated in after-school activities were 41% less likely to miss school and 25% less likely to repeat a grade.
Kids who could talk openly with their caregiver were 22% less likely to repeat a grade.
Living in a supportive neighborhood and having a resilient family reduced the risk of school absenteeism.

In contrast, children facing poverty or with special healthcare needs were more likely to struggle in school—factors that make PCEs even more important.

What Can Parents Do?

This research sends a clear message: everyday environments and relationships matter. And while not every parent can change their child’s school or neighborhood, there are still meaningful steps you can take.

Prioritize after-school engagement
Find local programs—sports, arts, service clubs, language classes—and encourage participation. If money or transportation is a barrier, talk to your school or community center about scholarships or carpools.
Foster open communication
Make time for real conversations. Ask your child what matters to them. Let them know their voice matters, even if you disagree.
Strengthen family resilience
During tough times, model problem-solving, talk through challenges together, and highlight your family’s strengths.
Support safe, connected communities
Get to know your neighbors. Join a parent-teacher group. Volunteer at school or in the community. Small actions create social safety nets.
Speak up for policies that help kids
The study authors note that not all families have access to quality after-school programs—and that needs to change. Contact your school board or reach out to your members of Congress to advocate for:
- Increased funding for youth programs
- Safe neighborhood initiatives
- Trauma-informed training for teachers
- Support for families living in poverty

Why This Matters

Kids don’t need to be “exceptional” to succeed—they need support. And that support doesn’t just come from within the home. It comes from schools, neighborhoods, and public policy that invests in children’s well-being. The science is clear: positive experiences help kids be successful and have a bright future. All children deserve the opportunity to dream, succeed and contribute!

Start a discussion on this topic on mamapedia.com and join other discussions. Your opinion and action can make changes happen.

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