When a bright student is underachieving, it is frustrating for parents, teachers, and the student him or herself. Causes of underachievement are often diverse and complex. Underachieving students could have a learning disability or an attention problem. Occasionally they are struggling with social or emotional concerns that are getting in the way of their school performance. Sometimes, a combination of these factors is at the root of the problem.

Determining what issues are at the root of a student's underachievement is a key step in identifying strategies to help increase academic success. CTY’s Diagnostic and Counseling Center offers psycho-educational evaluations that can be used to identify problems that may be interfering with a student’s school performance.