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School & Learning

New Gallup Poll Paints a Bleak Picture of Education—Have A Student At Risk?

A new Gallup poll shows most students feel unchallenged, disengaged, and hopeless—here's why, and how strength-based mentorship can turn it around.

By Sam Young 3 min read
New Gallup Poll Paints a Bleak Picture of Education—Have A Student At Risk?

A shocking new Gallup poll just revealed what many of us have feared for a long time: the traditional education system is failing our kids. The numbers don’t lie, and the picture they paint is grim…

Alarming Findings:

• Over 50% of Students Aren’t Challenged or Interested: Less than half of Gen Z k-12 students say their coursework challenges them or gives them the opportunity to do what they do best

• Up to 54% of Students Aren’t Engaged: Many students are sleepwalking through their school days, feeling disconnected and uninterested in what they’re learning. Is your student one of them?

• 40% of Students Feel Hopeless About Their Future: A staggering number of students don’t feel challenged by their schoolwork. They’re not exploring their interests, and they don’t see a clear path forward. For students who don’t plan to go to college, the situation is even worse—they’re struggling with a lack of optimism and motivation.

• Schools Aren’t Helping Kids Explore Their Passions: Traditional schools are pushing a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing narrowly on college prep. But what about the kids who want something different? They’re left feeling lost and unsupported, with no one encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

• Mentorship Is Missing: Many students report that they don’t have any teacher at school who’s guiding them toward their goals.

It Looks Bleak…

The Gallup poll highlights a sobering reality: Our kids are not being given the tools they need to thrive. They’re disengaged, unmotivated, and unsure about their futures. As parents, this should set off alarm bells.

But There Is a Solution.

Imagine if your child could learn in an environment where their interests are at the center of their education. A place where they feel challenged, inspired, and guided by mentors who genuinely care about their success.

This isn’t just a dream—it’s exactly what we offer at Young Scholars Academy.

Why Young Scholars Academy?

• Engaging and Relevant Content: Our classes are designed to captivate your child’s interest, making learning something they look forward to—not something they dread.

• Personalized Learning Paths: We help students explore their passions and discover new ones. Whether they’re into robotics, creative writing, or anything in between, we tailor their education to what excites them most.

• Supportive Mentorship: Our teachers aren’t just educators; they’re mentors who invest in your child’s future. We’re here to guide them, inspire them, and help them see a future filled with possibilities.

Fall Classes Start Monday!

Don’t let your child lost hope… Give them the chance to thrive in a learning environment that’s designed to help them succeed.

Classes start Monday and some have a few seats left.

Click here to enroll now and give your child the education they deserve.

Make this school year the one where your child feels hopeful, taps into passions, works with mentors, and discovers their potential!

P.S. Break free from this bleak situation and offer your kiddo hope- Click here to save your seat before courses kick off on Monday

About Young Scholars Academy

Young Scholars Academy is a WASC-accredited virtual learning community offering 200+ live online courses and camps for gifted or 2e children ages 5–18, in classes of 6–8 students, led by neurodivergent mentors. Young Scholars Academy currently serves 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries, with a 93% semester-over-semester re-enrollment rate. ESA funding is accepted in 10+ states.

Explore Fall Courses

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a class they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions Parents Ask.

Everything you need to know about Young Scholars Academy.

What is Young Scholars Academy?

YSA is a WASC-accredited virtual village for gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students ages 5–25. We offer 200+ live online courses (from Minecraft Redstone Engineering to AP Psychology to Mock Trial) with a maximum of 6–8 students per course, taught by 20 hand-selected mentor teachers who are neurodivergent themselves. We serve 1,200+ families across 47+ states and 17 countries. This is not a marketplace. It's a school and a community.

How does it work?

During Fall and Spring semesters, courses meet once a week, live on Zoom, 50 minutes per session. During Summer, camps run Monday through Friday, one week at a time. When your child enrolls in 3 or more courses, they get free access to Homeroom Social Club — a weekly gathering with a consistent group of friends. Between courses, students hang out on our virtual campus where they walk as avatars, eat lunch together, and build real friendships with kids from around the world who finally get them.

Who is this for?

Gifted, twice-exceptional, and differently-wired students, including kids with ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, dyslexia, and PDA. No diagnosis required. If your child is clever, quirky, and hasn't found their people yet, they belong here. About 65% of our families homeschool. The rest use us alongside traditional or charter schools.

Is this a low-demand environment?

Yes. Enrichment courses have no grades and no traditional homework. However, for-credit courses include assignments and letter grades. Cameras always optional. Challenge by choice. Students are never cold-called, never forced to participate, and never penalized for how they choose to engage. For students with PDA, demand avoidance, or anxiety, this is the difference between a program they resist and one they ask to log into.

How much does it cost?

Semester courses start at $624. Summer camps are $149–$169 per camp. Payment plans, sibling discounts, referral credits, and ESA/charter funding accepted. We're an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs.

Will my child actually make friends?

This is the part that surprises parents most. Your child joins a course about something they love and meets 6–8 kids who love it too. Same group all semester (or all week for camps). Parents tell us their children are more connected with this community than with anyone physically around them. 93% of families re-enroll because their kids won't let them stop.

What if it doesn't work?

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Switch courses, receive a credit, or stop payments. No questions asked. We can offer this because we know what happens when these kids find their people.

What do parents get?

Virtual Coffee & Connect hours every couple of weeks. Regular Expert Talks with leaders like Seth Perler, Debbie Reber, and Dr. Temple Grandin. A Facebook group where families connect and support each other. Progress updates from mentors. And the ability to watch your child's courses anytime (just stay off camera). You're not just enrolling your child. You're joining a village.