10 Accommodations Every Parent Should Know About for High School Students

When your child qualifies for an IEP or a 504 Plan, one of the biggest questions parents ask is, “What accommodations should I request?”

The answer depends on your child’s unique strengths and challenges, but many parents don’t realize just how many supports may be available. Accommodations aren’t meant to give students an unfair advantage—they’re designed to provide equal access to learning by reducing barriers that make school more difficult.

Whether your teen has ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, a medical condition, or another disability, the right accommodations can make a meaningful difference in their confidence and academic success.

Here are ten accommodations every parent should know about when preparing for high school.

1. Extended Time on Tests and Assignments

One of the most common accommodations is additional time.

Students who process information more slowly, struggle with attention, experience anxiety, or have executive functioning challenges often benefit from extra time to demonstrate what they know.

Extended time may apply to:

Classroom tests
Quizzes
Standardized testing
Homework assignments
Written essays

The goal isn’t to lower expectations—it’s to remove unnecessary pressure caused by a disability.

2. Preferential Seating

Where a student sits can have a surprisingly large impact on learning.

Preferential seating may include:

Near the teacher
Away from doors or windows
Close to classroom instruction
Near positive peer role models
Away from distractions

This accommodation can be especially helpful for students with ADHD, hearing differences, anxiety, or vision concerns.

3. Copies of Teacher Notes or Guided Notes

Many students struggle to listen, process information, and take detailed notes at the same time.

Providing:

Printed notes
Digital notes
Guided notes with blanks to complete
Access to presentation slides

allows students to focus on understanding the lesson instead of worrying about writing every word.

4. Access to Organizational Supports

Executive functioning is one of the biggest challenges many high school students face.

Helpful accommodations may include:

Daily planner checks
Assignment reminders
Teacher initials for completed planners
Organization check-ins
Help cleaning out binders or lockers
Breaking large projects into smaller deadlines

These supports encourage independence while providing structure.

5. Flexible Testing Environment

Some students perform much better in a quieter setting.

Testing accommodations may include:

Small group testing
Individual testing room
Reduced distractions
Noise-canceling headphones (when appropriate)
Frequent breaks

A calmer environment allows students to focus on the test instead of everything happening around them.

6. Scheduled Movement or Sensory Breaks

Sitting still for long periods isn’t realistic for every student.

Movement breaks can help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and support emotional regulation.

Examples include:

Walking the hallway
Stretch breaks
Water breaks
Sensory room access
Calm-down space
Standing while working

These breaks are often short but can significantly improve attention.

7. Flexible Deadlines When Appropriate

Some disabilities involve unpredictable symptoms.

Students with migraines, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or medical appointments may occasionally need additional flexibility.

This accommodation doesn’t eliminate responsibility—it simply acknowledges that medical needs sometimes affect school performance.

8. Technology Supports

Technology has become an important tool for many students.

Helpful accommodations may include:

Speech-to-text software
Text-to-speech readers
Audio versions of textbooks
Calculator access
Keyboard instead of handwriting
Digital planners
Recording classroom lectures when appropriate

Technology can remove barriers while allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge.

9. Frequent Teacher Check-Ins

Many high school students hesitate to ask for help.

A simple teacher check-in can make a huge difference.

Examples include:

Confirming assignments are understood
Checking for missing work
Reviewing upcoming deadlines
Asking if additional clarification is needed

These quick conversations often prevent small problems from becoming much larger ones.

10. Reduced or Modified Homework When Appropriate

Homework should reinforce learning—not become a nightly battle.

For some students, reducing repetitive work may be appropriate.

Examples include:

Completing every other math problem instead of all 30
Shortened written assignments
Alternative projects
Reduced copying tasks
Prioritizing quality over quantity

Any modifications should be discussed carefully by the educational team to ensure they still align with your child’s learning goals.

Accommodations Should Match Your Child’s Needs

It’s important to remember that accommodations aren’t “one size fits all.”

What helps one student may not help another.

When preparing for an IEP or 504 meeting, ask yourself:

Where does my child struggle most?
What barriers make learning difficult?
Which accommodations have already been successful?
What supports encourage independence instead of creating dependence?

The most effective accommodations address specific challenges while helping students continue to grow.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

IEP and 504 meetings can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to the process.

If someone suggests an accommodation you don’t understand, ask questions.

Some helpful examples include:

How will this accommodation work during the school day?
Who is responsible for providing it?
How will we know if it’s helping?
Can we adjust it if it isn’t effective?

Remember, you are an equal member of your child’s educational team, and your input matters.

Review the Plan Every Year

As students grow, their needs often change.

An accommodation that was essential in ninth grade may no longer be necessary by senior year. Likewise, new challenges may arise as coursework becomes more demanding.

Use each annual IEP or 504 meeting as an opportunity to review what is working, what isn’t, and whether additional supports should be considered. The goal is to create a plan that grows with your child and continues to prepare them for life after high school.

High school can be challenging for any student, but the right accommodations can help remove unnecessary barriers and give teens the opportunity to demonstrate what they truly know and can do.

Whether your child has an IEP or a 504 Plan, understanding the accommodations available allows you to be a stronger advocate during school meetings and throughout the school year.

Remember that accommodations aren’t about lowering expectations—they’re about providing equitable access to education. When students receive the supports they need, they’re often better able to build confidence, develop independence, and reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.