My Middle Schooler is Behind in Math — Can They Catch Up?

Your child used to do fine in elementary school math. Maybe not perfect, but they got by.

Now they're in middle school—6th, 7th, or 8th grade—and suddenly they're drowning.

Homework takes hours. They're getting 60s and 70s on tests. The teacher says they're "behind grade level."

You're thinking: How did this happen? Can they catch up? Or are they just "not a math person"?

Here's what I've seen working with 80+ struggling middle schoolers:

Yes, they can catch up. But not by doing more of what they're already doing.

Why Middle School Math Hits Different

Elementary Math: Memorize and Apply

Elementary math is mostly:

• Times tables (memorization)
• Basic arithmetic (procedures)
• Word problems (straightforward)

Students who work hard and memorize procedures can get As.

Middle School Math: Understand and Connect

Middle school math changes:

• Fractions and decimals (conceptual understanding)
• Negative numbers (totally new)
• Variables and algebra (abstract thinking)
• Ratios, proportions, percentages (real-world applications)
• Geometry proofs (logical reasoning)

Can't just memorize steps. Need to understand why methods work.

Students who relied on memorization in elementary suddenly struggle.

The Real Problem: Gaps in Foundation

Here's what's actually happening:

Your child doesn't have a "middle school math problem." They have gaps from 3rd-5th grade that are now catastrophic.

Common Foundational Gaps

• Fractions - Never truly understood fraction operations, just memorized "flip and multiply"
• Place value - Shaky on what decimals actually represent
• Factors and multiples - Essential for algebra, never mastered
• Word problem translation - Can't turn sentences into equations

These gaps didn't matter in elementary. Teachers moved on, child got 70s-80s by memorizing.

But in middle school, everything builds on these foundations. Without them, your child can't access grade-level content.

The NYC Solves Problem (2024-2025)

If your child is in NYC public schools, there's an additional challenge:

NYC rolled out new math curriculum (NYC Solves/Illustrative Math) in 2024-2025. It moves FAST.

Teachers are saying:

• "Curriculum moves too quickly"
• "Not enough support for struggling students"
• "No time to fill in gaps from previous years"

According to Ed Week, two-thirds of Black and Latino students aren't meeting grade level.

It's not your child. The system isn't set up to help kids who are behind catch up.

Can They Really Catch Up?

Yes. But it takes 6-12 months of targeted work.

I've watched students go from "two years behind" to grade level in one school year. But only with the right approach.

What Doesn't Work

• More homework help - Helping with tonight's homework doesn't fill gaps from 4th grade
• Watching Khan Academy videos - Passive watching doesn't build skills
• Hoping they'll "get it eventually" - Gaps compound. Waiting makes it worse.

What Actually Works

• Diagnose the gaps - Figure out exactly where foundation cracked
• Fill gaps systematically - Go back to 4th grade fractions if needed
• Practice until automatic - Not "I get it" but "I can do it in my sleep"
• Simultaneously support current classwork - Can't ignore what teacher assigns

The Catch-Up Plan (What I Do With Students)

Phase 1: Diagnostic (Week 1)

We take a comprehensive assessment covering:

• Fraction operations
• Decimal operations
• Integer operations (negatives)
• Basic algebra
• Ratios and proportions

This shows exactly what they know vs. what they're shaky on.

Phase 2: Foundation Repair (Months 1-3)

We spend 70% of tutoring time filling gaps, 30% supporting current homework.

For example, if they're in 7th grade learning equations but don't understand fractions:

• Session 1: Fraction addition/subtraction (5th grade skill)
• Session 2: Fraction multiplication/division (5th grade)
• Session 3: Apply fractions to solve equations (7th grade)

We fill gaps just-in-time for current work.

Phase 3: Build Confidence (Months 4-6)

Once foundation is solid, we focus on:

• Test-taking strategies
• Word problem patterns
• Mental math shortcuts
• Getting ahead on upcoming units

Students start earning 80s and 90s. Confidence soars.

Phase 4: Independence (Months 7-12)

By now, they can:

• Learn new concepts from class without confusion
• Do homework independently
• Self-correct mistakes

Tutoring reduces to occasional check-ins or test prep.

Signs Your Child Needs Immediate Help

Don't wait if you see:

• Homework meltdowns - Crying, frustration, "I can't do this"
• Avoiding math - Skips homework, says they "forgot"
• Test scores dropping - Was getting 70s, now getting 50s-60s
• Teacher comments - "Not meeting grade level expectations"
• Saying they're "bad at math" - Losing confidence

These are red flags that gaps are widening.

Can Parents Help? Or Do They Need a Tutor?

Parents Can Help If...

• You're comfortable with middle school math
• You have 30-60 min daily to work with them
• Your child will accept help from you (not all do)
• Gaps are minor (less than 1 year behind)

Use Khan Academy or similar to systematically review foundation topics.

Get a Tutor If...

• You don't know where the gaps are
• You don't remember the math yourself
• Your child shuts down when you try to help
• Gaps are significant (2+ years behind)
• You don't have consistent time

A tutor can diagnose precisely and create systematic catch-up plan.

What About High School?

This is why catching up in middle school matters:

High school math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) assumes solid middle school foundation.

Students who enter high school behind rarely catch up. They struggle through Algebra 1, fail Geometry, need repeats.

But students who catch up in middle school enter high school ready. They can handle the pace, earn good grades, keep college options open.

The window to catch up is now—in middle school—before it's too late.

Action Steps This Week

1. Request teacher conference - Ask specifically: "What foundational skills is my child missing?"
2. Do a home diagnostic - Give your child 5th grade fraction problems. Can they solve them?
3. Check NYC Solves resources - schools.nyc.gov/learning/subjects/math/nyc-solves
4. Consider tutoring - If gaps are significant, get professional help now

Final Thought

Your child isn't "bad at math." They have specific gaps in specific skills.

With the right diagnosis, systematic fill-in work, and consistent practice, they can absolutely catch up.

I've seen it dozens of times. Students who were "behind" in 6th grade, thriving in 8th grade pre-algebra because we took time to build foundation properly.

Don't wait. The longer gaps sit, the wider they get.

Start now, and by next school year, your child can be back on track.