Academic Coaching in Denver: A Parent’s Guide
Originally published January 2026
Academic coaching in Denver is designed for students who typically understand their schoolwork but struggle with organization, planning, and motivation.
After trying traditional tutoring, like a learning center, and advocating for school-based supports, some parents begin to realize their child may not need more teaching over content. What they need help over is learning how to manage school itself.
Here at Strive, we have had great success supporting struggling students, like Alex.
This guide walks through what coaching is, how it differs from tutoring, what to look for when searching in Denver, common mistakes families make, and why many families ultimately choose Strive Learning Solutions.
Quick Overview
This guide explains how academic coaching in Denver helps students manage school more effectively when tutoring alone isn’t enough.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What academic coaching is and how it differs from traditional tutoring
- Which students benefit most from academic coaching and executive function support
- What Denver families should consider when selecting an academic coach
- Common mistakes parents make when seeking academic coaching
- Why many families choose personalized academic coaching at Strive Learning Solutions
What Is Academic Coaching?
Academic coaching focuses on the executive functioning skills students need to succeed in school beyond subject knowledge. This includes organization, time management, task initiation, planning, emotional regulation, and follow-through.
Unlike tutoring, coaching does not focus on reteaching math, reading, or writing content. Instead, it empowers students to approach school, their workload, and expectations with confidence.
Coaching is especially effective for students who:
- Forget assignments or miss deadlines
- Easily feel overwhelmed
- Quickly shutdown when frustrated
- Rely heavily on adult reminders
- Have strong abilities but inconsistent performance
- Struggle with motivation, confidence, or independence
Many students who receive coaching also benefit from executive functioning support or ADHD tutoring, depending on their profile and goals. At Strive Learning Solutions, our expert team of tutors and coaches are able to integrate these different supports
Academic Coaching vs Tutoring
A common question families ask is whether academic coaching replaces tutoring.
The answer is no. They serve different purposes.
To put it simply: Tutoring focuses on what your child is learning, while coaching focuses on how your child learns.
If your child is struggling in a specific class or two, academic tutoring is the best path forward. If your child is struggling across all classes, coaching is the best path forward, especially if tutoring alone hasn’t been effective.
What to Look for in an Academic Coach in Denver
Not all academic coaching is the same. When searching locally, there are several key factors to consider.
Experience With Executive Functioning
Executive functioning coaching requires specialized knowledge. Look for coaches who understand planning systems, working memory, emotional regulation, and cognitive load, not just study skills.
Neurodivergent Expertise
Many students seeking coaching also have ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or are twice-exceptional. Coaches should understand how neurodivergence impacts motivation, consistency, and confidence.
Systems, Not Just Encouragement
Coaching should include concrete tools such as calendars, task breakdowns, planning routines, and reflection strategies. Motivation alone rarely build independence.
Data and Progress Tracking
Effective coaching includes measurable goals and regular progress updates. Families should be able to see growth over time in their child.
Collaboration With Families and Schools
Strong academic coaching includes communication with parents and, when appropriate, teachers. This alignment is especially important for middle and high school students.
Common Mistakes Parents Make When Searching for Academic Coaching
Families often come to Strive after trying other options that did not work. The most common missteps include:
- Choosing tutoring when the issue is organization or follow-through
- Assuming good grades mean no support is needed
- Waiting until burnout or academic crisis sets in
- Selecting a coach without executive functioning training
- Expecting quick fixes instead of skill development
Tutoring and coaching works best when it is proactive and consistent, not reactive.
Who Benefits Most From Academic Coaching?
While all students can benefit from coaching, it is especially helpful for:
- Middle and high school students
- Students with ADHD or executive functioning challenges
- Students transitioning to higher academic demands
- Students who are capable but inconsistent
- Students whose confidence has declined due to overwhelm
Why Families Choose Strive Learning Solutions
Families across the Denver metro area choose Strive for coaching because of our expertise, personalization, and whole-child approach.
At Strive, academic coaching includes:
- Coaches trained in executive functioning and ADHD support
- Personalized systems tailored to each student’s brain and schedule
- Clear goals and progress monitoring
- Ongoing family communication and collaboration
- A focus on confidence, independence, and sustainability
We do not use one-size-fits-all planners or generic study skills. Every student’s plan is built around their needs, strengths, and environment.
Is Academic Coaching Right for Your Child?
If your child understands their schoolwork but struggles to manage it, coaching may be the right next step.
Families often tell us they wish they had started sooner, before stress and frustration took over daily life.
If you are exploring support in Denver and want guidance on whether it is the right fit, book your free consultation today.
We would love the opportunity to support your student!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is academic coaching and how does it help students in Denver?
Academic coaching helps students who understand their schoolwork but struggle with organization, time management, motivation, and follow-through. Instead of reteaching specific content, coaching focuses on executive functioning skills that allow students to manage their workload, meet deadlines, and work more independently.
How is academic coaching different from tutoring?
Tutoring focuses on what a student is learning in a specific subject, such as math or reading. Academic coaching focuses on how a student approaches school overall. If a student is struggling across multiple classes due to disorganization or overwhelm, coaching is often more effective than tutoring alone.
Is academic coaching helpful for students with ADHD?
Yes. Academic coaching is especially effective for students with ADHD because it targets executive functioning challenges like task initiation, planning, emotional regulation, and consistency. Many families seek coaching alongside or instead of ADHD tutoring when school feels overwhelming despite strong abilities.
What age students benefit most from academic coaching?
Academic coaching is most commonly used with middle school and high school students, though it can also support upper elementary students. Families often seek coaching when demands at school increase and independence becomes more important.
Why do families choose Strive Learning Solutions for academic coaching?
Families choose Strive Learning Solutions for academic coaching in Denver because of our specialized expertise in executive functioning, ADHD support, and personalized systems. Our coaching is designed to build lasting confidence and independence.
