What to Do When the School Refuses a PPS or PAP for Your Child

When the Answer is No: Facing a School’s Refusal with Clarity and Strength

No parent sees this coming. You’ve done your research. You know your child is struggling in school — whether it’s due to dyslexia, anxiety, ADHD, or something harder to define. Your heart sinks when, after meetings and evaluations, the school says no to a PPS (Personalized Support Plan) or a PAP (Personalized Learning Plan). You may feel lost, powerless, even angry. But this isn’t the end of the road — not by a long shot.

Today, I want to walk with you through your next steps. Because you and your child are not alone. And you have more options than the school may make it seem.

First, Understand the Why

Before rushing to respond, do your best to understand why the school refused your request for a PPS or PAP. Did they claim your child doesn’t meet the criteria? Did they suggest emotional or behavioral difficulties were the root cause rather than learning differences? Or did they simply not take the time to evaluate the full picture?

Take notes. Request a written explanation. Clarity here is powerful — not just for navigating the system, but for understanding what your child truly needs.

You Can’t Do This Alone — But You Shouldn’t Have To

Many parents I talk to feel like they’ve become accidental experts in the educational system. And yet, there’s only so much you can do by yourself. Don’t hesitate to bring in someone who can help carry the load.

Consider contacting an educational advocate — someone who knows the law, understands how to talk to schools, and can help you make sense of the next steps. You can also reach out to your child’s pediatrician or neuropsychologist for additional written documentation that could strengthen your request.

If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to read this guide on advocating for your child’s right to an adapted education. It’s full of real, practical advice for this journey.

When the School Doesn’t Help, Look Outside

Even without an official PPS or PAP, your child still deserves support — both emotional and academic. Many families turn to external resources at this stage.

This might include:

• Getting personalized tutoring, ideally from someone trained in learning differences
• Finding a therapist or school psychologist outside of the school system
• Joining a parent support network for families of children with similar needs

Here's a detailed look at outside help options for children who struggle in school, including how to determine what’s most relevant for your child.

If You Disagree: How to Challenge the Decision

You have the right to appeal the school's decision. First, make a formal request for a re-evaluation. Include any new documentation you've gathered. If the school still refuses, consider submitting a complaint to your local education board or working with an independent mediator.

It’s not uncommon — or confrontational — to assert your child’s rights. Sometimes, the simple act of escalating the process prompts the school to take a second look. You can find clear steps in this article about how to respond when your child’s learning needs are ignored.

In the Meantime: Support Them Where They Are

While waiting for the system to catch up, your child still has homework. They still face challenges every day in class. This is the space we can reclaim together — one where their struggle is met with support instead of shame.

I’ve seen families transform dinner-table tears into progress simply by reframing how learning happens at home. One tool that’s helped is converting their class lessons into more engaging formats. For example, using tools that turn written lessons into personalized audio adventures (where your child is the hero, by name!) can boost confidence, focus, and retention. The Skuli App, available on iOS and Android, does just that — a small shift that can change how your child interacts with difficult material.

Some kids respond better to review quizzes built off photos of class notes. Others thrive when they can listen to a lesson instead of reading — especially on car rides or while doing something with their hands. You know your child best. The right medium can unlock the joy they’ve lost.

You're Not Just Fighting — You're Rebuilding

Refusals hurt. But they also spark clarity. This moment — painful as it is — can be the beginning of a stronger, more effective support system for your child. You’re not just chasing paperwork. You’re helping your child reclaim their space in the classroom, their confidence, and their sense of belonging.

For more guidance, I recommend reading this article on what to do when your child feels misunderstood at school. Many families facing PPS or PAP refusals feel that same ache — and there is a path forward.

Stay patient, stay clear, and most importantly: stay hopeful. Your child deserves support that fits them. And you are already doing the most important work by showing up and advocating with love.

You Are Not Alone

If anything in this article resonates, hang on to that: you're not in this alone. Thousands of families face systemic obstacles every year — and find workarounds that make a meaningful difference. Don’t let one closed door convince you there’s no way in. With time, allies, and the right tools, your child’s future will take the shape it was always meant to.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed by where to begin, here’s a starting point when learning difficulties go unsupported.