29 Jun Balancing School and Pregnancy: Tips for High School Students
Pregnant and still in high school. Those words together can feel impossible, but they are not. Many young women have been exactly where you are and finished school, built careers, and become remarkable mothers. What made the difference was knowing their rights, finding the right support, and taking it one step at a time.
That is exactly what this article is here to help you do. Request a no-cost, confidential appointment at Lighthouse to confirm your pregnancy and connect with resources that can help.
Talk to Your School’s Title IX Coordinator
Title IX is a federal law that protects pregnant students from discrimination at any school that receives federal funding, including virtually every public high school. Under Title IX, your school cannot remove you from classes or activities because you are pregnant. You are entitled to reasonable accommodations, and pregnancy-related absences must be treated the same as absences for other medical conditions.
If you do not know who your Title IX coordinator is, your school’s main office can tell you. Start there before making any other decisions about your schedule.
Get Your Pregnancy Confirmed
Before you can make a plan, you need the facts. At no cost, Lighthouse offers pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to confirm whether you are pregnant, how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and whether the pregnancy is developing as expected. Knowing your gestational age affects your timeline for school accommodations, prenatal care, and any other decisions ahead.
Build a Practical Support System
You do not have to tell everyone. But having at least one adult in your corner, whether a parent, a school counselor, or a trusted teacher, makes a real difference when you need to navigate absences, schedule changes, or accommodations. Think about who in your life can be that person.
If you are not sure where to start, Lighthouse is a confidential, judgment-free place to talk through your situation and get connected with the support you need.
Take Advantage of Programs Designed for Your Situation
Lighthouse offers a parenting readiness program called PREP, which includes prenatal education, material aid such as diapers, clothing, and a car seat, and peer counseling through your child’s first year. Lighthouse also hosts YoungLives, a support program for pregnant and parenting teens ages 13 to 21 that offers mentoring, community, and free childcare.
Other young women have been exactly where you are and finished school. These resources exist to help you do the same.
We’re Here to Help
Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center provides free, confidential services with same-day appointments usually available. Request an appointment online, text 973-874-1184, or call (973) 238-9045 to get started.
Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.