If you’re pregnant, continuing your education might seem impossible. With higher stress levels about the future and medical appointments to attend, staying focused can be a challenge.
On top of this, physical symptoms might interfere with a regular school schedule. For example, about 70% of women report morning sickness during the first trimester of their pregnancy. This can make getting to school and paying attention in class difficult.
However, many young women can balance pregnancy with school responsibilities. With the right educational program and support, you can do the same.
Ahead, we’ll discuss five great Texas schools for pregnant teens.
Teenage Pregnant & Parenting Students Program
The Teenage Pregnant & Parenting Students (TAPPS) Program provides students with the support they need to stay at one of five district high schools. TAPPS helps pregnant and parenting students adjust to their new status physically, emotionally and academically. The program is administered by specially trained counselors at each school who provide services, including case management, prenatal education and health services.
The benefit of this type of program is that pregnant teens do not need to disrupt their lives to maintain their educational goals. With the TAPPS program, you can stay in a familiar atmosphere and get the added help and information you need to have a successful pregnancy and a successful academic career.
Location: Irving Independent School District
iUniversity Prep
iUniversity Prep is a free public school that’s open to residents throughout Texas. The program is known for academic excellence, compassionate staff and award-winning teachers trained for an online learning environment. This school is a wonderful choice for students who have academic ambition and can work well independently.
Though there is a face-to-face component at this school, a lot of the work is self-paced with periodic check-ins and regular teacher availability. This works to the advantage of a pregnant teen who is not feeling well or has appointments during regular school hours.
You can take the online learning quiz to see if this is a good choice for you.
Location: Grapevine-Colleyville (All Texas students can access courses online.)
Texas Alternative Home School
SJRC Texas, formerly Saint Jude’s Ranch for Children, is a haven for youth suffering abuse, neglect or other trauma. Children in this residential program are usually referred by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
In addition to providing all children education and therapeutic services, SJRC has a special program for pregnant and parenting teens. This program provides health care services and provides young women training on parenting and independent living, including job and life skills. SJRC is one of the unique schools for pregnant teens because it offers practical advice on raising a child.
Location: New Braunfels, Texas
Texas Online Preparatory School
Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS) provides students with core learning in math, language arts, history and science. Students enrolled at this tuition-free public school have access to counselors and teachers who can offer support and assist with concerns.
Unlike many remote schools, TOPS offers extracurriculars. Extra-curricular events allow teens the opportunity to socialize in what might otherwise be a socially isolating time. Families can also form regional clusters for field trips and other school-sponsored events to meet and interact with one another in person.
At a school like TOPS, students can enjoy the best of both worlds—a strong, personalized educational program and some of the perks that come with a traditional high school experience. There is a smaller chance of students judging you when you are part of a small group of students for whom traditional education didn’t work.
Location: Offices in Lewisville
Your Future: We can help.
Wanting to get a quality education is one of many reasons why you might choose not to parent the child. Whatever your reason, the specialists at Texas Adoption Center can help. Our compassionate and caring team will work with you to make sure you come to the decision that is best for you and your future.
For more information on how we can help you, connect with Texas Adoption Center today.
