How to Get an IEP When Your Child Gets Good Grades.

I had this client one time who has a phenomenal memory. I mean it, like nothing you’ve ever seen. His memory and recall were almost savant-like. In fact, he could memorize and recall so much information, he was tested and labeled as gifted at a young age. His grades were near-perfect.

No matter what test or evaluation you put in front of him, if he had previously encountered that information, he could recall it and do well on tests.

But memory only takes you so far. Academic and social demands change as we age. And, other skills become important. Like all those executive functioning skills. And critical thinking and problem-solving. At some point, schools will expect kids to not just recall and recite information, but to apply it. And when that happened, ooomph. It was ugly. He was already socially awkward and now the one thing he had been good at (school) was not going well.

Mom had asked for help and an IEP and was made to think that she was an over-protective worrisome mother. “His grades are fine!” she was told over and over. By the time Mom contacted me, things were quickly spiraling out of control. This student was exhibiting many negative behaviors at school due to his frustrations.

But the district already had him pigeonholed as Gifted, and couldn’t really see him any other way. Therefore, they felt that his negative behaviors were all surely by choice and due to defiance. Certainly not due to any unsupported learning disabilities.

Guess what? We got the student a full neuropsych eval and his IQ is average. Sure, there are certainly some areas where his skill set is off the charts. Scattered skill sets are not uncommon for kids with learning disabilities. But by and large, this kid is just average, not gifted. And has numerous learning disabilities.

This story has a happy ending. We got him an out-of-district placement where he thrived, graduated, and now is trying some community college. But whether you’re asking for IEP evaluations or just some support, it’s a very common retort. “His grades are fine!”

Can a Child with Passing Grades Get an IEP?

Short answer: Yes. And IDEA is very clear about this.

From IDEA Section 300.101(c)(1):

Each state must ensure that FAPE is available to any child with a disability who needs special education and related services even if the child has not failed, been retained, or is advancing from grade to grade.

So the myth of “your child gets good grades, therefore they don’t qualify” is just that…a myth. Grades alone cannot be used to deny an evaluation or an IEP.

Where to Start if You Think Your Child Needs an IEP

The first step is always the same: formally request special education evaluations. Not a quick email, not a hallway conversation. A written, dated request.

Schools must evaluate in every area of suspected disability, and your letter should spell out what those areas are. Include the patterns you’re seeing at home, what your child reports, and any documentation from outside providers. This is not a 10-minute letter. This is the foundation of your entire case, worth doing well the first time.

You can use these guides if you need help getting started:

• How to Request IEP Evaluations
• How to Get an IEP for Your Child

Until an evaluation is done, or the school formally refuses to evaluate, you cannot be told “no.”

The “But Their Grades Are Fine” Roadblock

If you’ve already approached the school informally and were waved away with “their grades look good,” it’s time for a meeting. Grades are subjective. They reflect a mix of teacher judgment, classroom structures, and sometimes generous grading practices.

A child can receive an A because:

• The teacher is grading for completion, not mastery
• Supports are quietly being given without an IEP
• Parents are heavily scaffolding homework
• The work is far below grade level
• The curriculum is moving so slowly that gaps aren’t showing yet

And the reverse is just as damaging: a child may be allowed to fail repeatedly without anyone stopping to ask why.

But before you assume grades reflect actual skill development, ask the team:

• What do these grades measure?
• How is homework evaluated?
• How is this child performing when work is done independently at school?

More resources on this:

• Goals, Grades, and the IEP: Items for Parents to Consider
• What Parents Need to Know About Homework and an IEP
• Can an IEP Student Fail or Repeat a Grade?

And one reminder I say almost daily: teachers only see the homework that is turned in. They do not see the battles, tears, redirection, or hands-on help that made that assignment possible. If you supported the work, note it on the page or send an email. Accuracy matters.

IEPs Are Not Just for Academics

Say it again with me: IEPs are not just for academics.

A child may earn good grades and still struggle with:

• Executive functioning
• Social-emotional skills
• Behavior
• Language
• Attention
• Organization
• Sensory regulation

All of these can create disability-related needs that impact school access—even if academics remain intact.

If anyone insists IEPs are only for academics, send an email to the Special Education Director:

I was told IEPs are only for academics. I cannot find this anywhere in IDEA. Can you direct me to the regulation that states this?

Spoiler: they can’t.

What to Do if You’re Told Your Child Doesn’t Qualify

If the school has refused to evaluate, or they evaluated and found your child “not eligible,” you still have options.

Here are the most common next steps:

• Request Prior Written Notice documenting the decision and reasoning.
• Use your IEP Procedural Safeguards and read up on Mediation or Due Process.
• Request an IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation) at public expense.
• Pursue an IEE privately. The district must consider the results either way.
• Ask for RTI while you continue advocating.
• If a medical or mental-health diagnosis exists, request a 504 Plan.
• Provide private tutoring or services yourself.
• “Wait and see.” (Not recommended, but sometimes life requires it.)
• Consider changing districts, private school, or charter options. Results vary.

And remember: a child can be in RTI or have a 504 Plan while pursuing an IEP.

If You’re Still Not Sure What to Do Next

If you’ve gone through this and still feel stuck, or you want feedback on your next move, visit our community forums and ask your specific question there.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.