School For Pregnant Teens in Texas: You Have Options

Finding out you’re pregnant while still in high school can feel overwhelming. You might worry about your future, missing credits, or whether teen mothers are still able to graduate. Morning sickness, doctor visits, and stress about the unknown can make staying focused in classes more challenging than ever.

But here’s the truth: pregnant and parenting students deserve the same chance at success as everyone else. Many school districts in Texas offer programs and support services to help pregnant teens remain in school, stay healthy, and work toward a high school diploma, college, and a future career they’re proud of.

You are not alone. Across Texas, young mothers face unique challenges — but they also show incredible strength. With the right resources, a solid plan, and caring people on your side, you can keep your education on track while preparing for your baby’s arrival.

This guide will help you explore school options, supportive programs, and flexible pathways designed just for pregnant and parenting teens in Texas — so you can protect the future you’ve worked hard for.

Your Rights: Pregnant and Parenting Teens Can Stay in School

In Texas, pregnant and parenting teens have the legal right to remain in their education without discrimination. Schools must support pregnant students the same way they support any student with a temporary medical condition. That means you do not have to leave school or switch programs just because you’re expecting a baby.

Every pregnant teen deserves:

• Equal access to classes, extracurricular activities, and career or technical education
• Reasonable changes in attendance based on pregnancy-related medical needs
• Counseling services and school support without fear of judgment
• Flexible time for appointments, health care, and recovery after birth
• Respect, privacy, and protection from bullying or harassment

Many school districts also provide access to case management, parenting classes, or early childhood education resources for young families. If your school is giving you a hard time or you’re unsure about your rights, a trusted teacher, counselor, or social worker can help you advocate for yourself.

Because here’s what matters most: Teenage pregnancy does not take away your right to a successful future. You have the support systems you need to stay in school, graduate, and continue toward your goals.

School Paths for Pregnant Teens in Texas

Every pregnancy and every journey through high school is different. Some pregnant teens feel confident staying on their current campus, while others need more flexibility, or even a fresh start in a new school environment. In Texas, several educational options exist to help pregnant and parenting teens protect their future while facing the realities of teenage pregnancy.

Here’s a closer look at a range of options — from traditional high school support programs to online and residential models — so you can choose what works best for you and your baby.

1. Stay in Your Current School — With Added Support

Teenage Pregnant & Parenting Students (TAPPS) Program
Some school districts offer programs like TAPPS to help pregnant students remain at their home high school, surrounded by familiar teachers and friends. TAPPS provides:

✔ Case management and emotional support
✔ Prenatal education and childbirth guidance
✔ Help coordinating health care and scheduling
✔ Resources for child development, after birth
✔ Support transitioning back to classes after delivery

This option is great if you want consistency and the chance to continue friendships while adjusting to new responsibilities. With TAPPS, you can work toward that high school diploma without starting over somewhere new.

2. Learn From Home — Flexible Online Schooling

iUniversity Prep
For young mothers feeling sick during the first trimester, recovering after birth, or balancing child care, online schooling can be life-changing. iUniversity Prep offers:

✔ Self-paced courses so you can complete work when you feel your best
✔ Award-winning teachers trained in online education
✔ Live check-ins and tutoring when you need help
✔ A strong focus on college readiness

This program is especially helpful if pregnancy symptoms or doctor visits make daily school attendance tough — or if you want to reduce stress and focus more on pregnancy health.

3. Residential Program With Full Life Support

SJRC Texas – Saint Jude’s Ranch for Children
If you’re dealing with housing insecurity, family conflict, or unsafe conditions, SJRC Texas provides a secure home environment and on-site education. The program supports:

✔ Safe residential housing for pregnant and parenting students
✔ On-site child care and nutrition support
✔ Parenting classes, independent living skills, and job training
✔ Trauma-informed counseling services

This is a powerful resource for young families who need a fresh start and stability while still working toward graduation and building a future career.

4. Blended Learning — Online Classes + Social Connection

Texas Online Preparatory School (TOPS)
TOPS blends online coursework with optional in-person activities so teenage parents don’t feel isolated. They offer:

✔ Flexible online learning with personalized guidance
✔ Social opportunities like clubs and community outings
✔ Counseling and planning for college or technical education
✔ Ability to build friendships with other students who understand your journey

This option supports both independence and connection — important for teen mothers working hard to stay engaged in school and life.

Other Ways to Stay on Track With School During Pregnancy

Even if switching schools isn’t an option—or you’re unsure what the best environment might be—you still have rights, resources, and support options to help you stay enrolled and working toward graduation. Many pregnant and parenting students aren’t told what’s available to them, so here’s what you should know:

You Have a Right to Stay in School

Texas schools must support pregnant teens and teen parents so they can remain enrolled. Schools cannot:

✘ Force you to transfer
✘ Lower your grades for absences related to pregnancy or health care
✘ Treat you differently from other students

You deserve equal access to education, activities, and opportunities.

Transportation + Attendance Accommodations

Schools can provide flexibility to help you attend classes, including:

• Schedule changes for doctor visits
• Excused absences for pregnancy–related health issues
• Transportation support (varies by school districts)
• Nurse and counseling access on campus

If morning sickness hits hard or you’re recovering after birth, ask your school counselor what accommodations can keep you on track.

Child Care Options

Some schools and community programs offer:

• On-site child care or daycare partnerships
• Help placing your children in early childhood education programs
• Support applying for funding to help with costs

Having child care available makes it easier to focus on your classes without worrying about your babies every minute.

Parent-Focused Support

Programs for teenage parents may include:

✔ Parenting classes and infant care education
✔ Social worker or case management check-ins
✔ Nutrition and Women, Infants & Children (WIC) referrals
✔ Mental health and counseling services
✔ Connections to community resources

These supports help you grow both as a parent and a student.

Credit Recovery and Graduation Support

If pregnancy has caused missed class time or falling behind:

• Schools can offer credit recovery programs
• Summer or online courses
• Modified attendance requirements
• Local career and technical education pathways
• Help planning college applications or exploring support from organizations like the Texas Adoption Center later

If you’re missing credits or feeling overwhelmed, a counselor can help you build a plan to graduate on time—or as close as possible.

You’re Still You

Being pregnant doesn’t erase your goals. Whether you want a nursing career, to run a business, or to attend college, your dreams still matter.

With the right plan and support, young parents finish school and build strong, successful futures—for themselves and their family.

Creating Your Personal School Success Plan

Every pregnancy—and every school situation—is different. What matters most is creating a plan that supports both your health and your education. Here’s a roadmap that pregnant and parenting students can use right now:

Step 1 — Tell One Trusted Adult at School

This could be:

• A school counselor
• A favorite teacher
• A social worker
• A nurse on campus

You don’t have to tell your whole school—just one supportive person who can help you access the resources you deserve.

Suggested script:

“I’m pregnant and want to stay in school. Can we talk about what support exists for attendance, health care, and finishing my credits?”

Step 2 — Plan for Health and Attendance

Pregnancy can bring unique challenges, especially in the first trimester. Together, you can plan for:

• Extra bathroom breaks
• Excused absences for prenatal care
• What to do if you feel sick in classes
• Safe places to rest if needed

Ask:

“Who do I check in with when I’m not feeling well?”

Good planning helps prevent missing credits or falling behind.

Step 3 — Review Your Graduation Goals

Your counselor can help map out:

• Current credits vs. graduation requirements
• Credit recovery opportunities if you’re behind
• Online or summer courses
• Staying on track for college readiness
• Options for career and technical education

You deserve to earn your high school diploma just like other students.

Step 4 — Explore Child Care + Parenting Help

Tell a staff member if you need help finding:

• On-site child care (if available)
• Community daycare funding
• Parenting classes that teach newborn care
• Support for young families after birth

Programs exist to help teen mothers and teenage parents stay focused while caring for their children.

Step 5 — Build Your Support Circle

Outside school, lean on:

• Family or close friends
• Mentors
• Young parent support groups

Support is one of the strongest predictors of success for young women navigating teen pregnancy.

Step 6 — Keep Checking In

Your needs may change as pregnancy progresses. Make a plan to meet monthly (or more often) with your counselor or case manager so your education stays on track as your baby grows.

Quick Goal-Setting Tool

Try completing these two statements:

• The most important thing for me this semester is…
• One support I need to succeed is…

Writing your goals makes them easier to achieve.

Your Rights in School During Pregnancy

(Plain-English Guide — No Legal Advice)

Being pregnant does not mean you have to give up your education. In fact, federal law protects pregnant teens, parenting students, and young parents from discrimination at school.

Here’s what that means in clear, simple language:

You Have the Right to Stay in School

Schools cannot force you to:

• Transfer to a new school
• Quit activities or technical education
• Drop out or switch to only homebound learning

You can remain with your classmates and finish your high school diploma.

You Can Access Accommodations

Pregnancy is treated similarly to a temporary medical condition, which means you may receive:

• Breaks during longer classes
• Help with attendance when you have appointments
• A place on campus to rest if you feel lightheaded or sick
• Flexibility during birth recovery

A social worker or counselor will help arrange what you need to stay healthy and successful.

You Cannot Be Harassed or Treated Unfairly

No one has the right to:

• Make rude comments about your pregnancy
• Exclude you from programs, clubs, or activities
• Make you feel unsafe on campus

If that does happen, you can request support from counseling services or your school’s Title IX coordinator.

You Can Participate in Parenting Supports

Your school or school district may offer:

• Pregnant and parenting teens programs
• Referrals to health care, nutrition programs, and child care
• Help with on-site child care (if available)
• Access to case management for young families

These programs exist to help teen mothers graduate with confidence.

You Decide What’s Best for Your Future

You can explore parenting resources or adoption support while staying in school — the decision is always yours.

If juggling school and a newborn feels overwhelming, adoption doesn’t mean giving up. It can be a loving plan to help your baby grow in a stable environment while you continue your education, career, and future goals.

How to Talk to School Staff About Your Needs

Asking for help can feel scary — but you don’t have to do it alone. Most schools, teachers, and counselors want to support pregnant students and parenting teens so they can finish high school successfully.

Here’s a simple way to start the conversation:

Who You Can Talk To

Choose an adult you feel comfortable with:

• School counselor
• Teacher you trust
• Social worker on campus
• School nurse
• Graduation or credit recovery coordinator
• A trusted coach or program leader

These people can help you access counseling services, community resources, and alternative education options.

What to Say (Scripts You Can Use)

You can keep it short and to the point:

➡ If you’re nervous:

“I’m pregnant, and I want to graduate on time. Can you help me understand what support is available?”

➡ If school feels overwhelming:

“Some days are harder because of my pregnancy. What accommodations might help so I don’t fall behind?”

➡ If you need schedule flexibility:

“I have medical appointments coming up — how can we plan for attendance so I can stay on track?”

➡ If you’re unsure about parenting or adoption:

“I’m thinking through all of my options. Is there someone I can talk to about school planning and future choices?”

What They Can Help You With

A staff member can guide you through:

✔ Creating an education plan for pregnancy
✔ Attendance and make-up work options
✔ Health care referrals or free prenatal support
✔ Accessing parenting classes or support groups
✔ School funding programs you may qualify for
✔ Connecting to child care resources
✔ Planning around birth and recovery

A Note on Privacy

You choose what to share and when. Talking to the right person can bring:

• More stability
• Better focus in school
• A clear path to graduation and college readiness

You deserve support as you navigate teen pregnancy — and asking for help is a strong first step.

Short-Term Plan: Finish This Semester Strong

When you’re dealing with teen pregnancy, thinking months ahead can feel overwhelming. A short, step-by-step plan helps keep you on track in the middle school or high school environment you’re already in — or wherever you may finish your high school diploma.

Start with a simple 4-part plan you can use right away:

Stabilize Your Schedule

Pregnancy can come with unique challenges — fatigue, nausea, appointments, stress. Instead of trying to manage every day perfectly, focus on:

• Identifying 2–3 classes to prioritize if attendance becomes difficult
• Creating a plan for credit recovery if you fall behind
• Asking teachers for asynchronous work or alternative assignments

Small adjustments make a huge difference in keeping your education moving forward.

Protect Your Health and Well-Being

Your health matters — a healthy pregnancy helps you stay focused on school.

Talk with a school nurse or counselor about:

• Break passes to eat, hydrate, or rest
• Modified PE expectations
• Prenatal care referrals if you don’t have a provider

Your school may also help connect you with nutrition programs that support pregnant teens and young mothers.

Lean Into Your Support Network

Whether your support comes from family, friends, coaches, or a social worker, you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. Support can look like:

• Someone helping with transportation to school or medical visits
• A trusted person checking in on assignments
• Emotional encouragement on days that are harder

Growing your support net helps you stay confident through pregnancy and beyond.

Make a Graduation Game Plan

You deserve to finish school — and stay connected to your goals for college, a career, and a stable future.

You can ask your counselor about:

• Graduation requirements for parenting students
• Extending school into summer if needed
• Planning ahead for after your baby is born
• Technical education or certification programs

Finishing strong now gives you more choices later — whether for parenting or adoption, college or career.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Pregnancy can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to stay in school and plan for your future. But you deserve support, stability, and the chance to focus on your education while making confident decisions for yourself and your baby if you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

At Texas Adoption Center, we help pregnant and parenting teens find the resources they need — from school plans to child care, housing assistance, transportation, and emotional support. And if you want to learn more about adoption as an option that can protect your goals and give your child a loving home, we’re here to guide you at your pace — no judgment, no pressure.

Whatever you decide for your life and your future, we’ll stand with you every step of the way. You are capable. You deserve to succeed – and we’re here to help make that possible.