Originally published: October 2025
In this article, we use the term parent broadly. We include all adults who play a primary role in caring for teens. This could include biological parents, stepparents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians, aunties, uncles, and more.
While it may not always seem like it, most teens want their parents to be part of their school experience.
As your teen moves through their junior and senior high school years, your involvement in their school community shows them that you value and care about their education. Research also suggests that students whose parents are engaged in school tend to get better grades, enjoy school more and stay in school longer.
Here are some practical ways you can support your teen’s school journey.
Build positive parent-teacher relationships
Strong, respectful relationships between parents and teachers support your teen’s learning. When parents have a positive relationship with their teen’s teachers, it supports a positive student-teacher relationship as well. Here are some things you can do:
- Attend parent-teacher meetings. They are a great way to get to know the teacher, talk about your teen’s strengths, and where they may need extra support.
- Go to the school open house or orientations with your teen when they are moving from elementary to junior high or into high school. There are often opportunities to meet their teachers and other school staff at these events. Getting to know their teachers gives you both the chance to understand what’s expected in a new school.
Learn alongside your teen
Help your teen create positive day-to-day experiences and build healthy relationships at school. Your actions can help them feel comfortable, confident, and supported. Try these ideas:
- Find out what your teen is doing at school, and how you can reinforce learning with real-world experiences at home or in the community. You’ll find information on school websites and in emails, e-newsletters, blogs, and social media channels.
- Take a few minutes each day to check in with your teen. Ask them what they’ve been up to at school and how things are going. Give them your full Help them brainstorm solutions to any challenges they might be facing, and make sure they can identify caring adults to go to if they need help at school—like teachers, coaches, education assistants, and other support staff.
- Make time to go to school events and activities with your teen—like sports, poetry slams, concerts, or debate nights. These are fun ways to experience school life, bond with your teen, and get to know others in the community.
Share your insights and ideas
Offer your insight and ideas on what’s most relevant and important when it comes to your teen’s education. Alberta schools value parent feedback—they want to know what matters to your family and community, and they aim to use your input to shape decisions.
Here’s what you can do:
- Share your feedback. Most schools and school authorities seek parent input on annual plans, budgets, policies and procedures and other priorities.
- Go to trustee forums or school council meetings—if you can’t make it, read the minutes or ask for recordings.
- Fill out parent surveys, like school climate surveys or other assessments.
- Attend casual gatherings, both virtual and in-person. Some schools offer drop-ins with school administrators, subject-specific open houses, or sharing circles with parents.
Consider a volunteer role
Volunteer, inside the school walls or out. Schools in Alberta welcome, respect, and value parent volunteers. Most offer a variety of ways for you to share your time and talents. Ask school staff what you can do to help. Here are some examples:
- Help with school committees, like the school health action team or active travel
- Collect donations for the school breakfast or snack program.
- Set up student art or cultural
- Support community clean-ups and greening activities.
- Build sets for drama or music
- Take part in cultural or heritage events and celebrations.
- Care for the school garden during the summer months.
Parents are important partners in education—your engagement in school life, contributes to kids being happy, healthy, and successful in life. Connect with your school community in the way that makes sense for you, your teen, and your family.
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