This study examines the impact of parental chronic illness on the child's high school performance. High school GPA has been shown to be an important determinant of tertiary educational attainment and earnings of individuals. The onset of parental chronic illness during the children’s high school years could cause enormous financial and emotional challenges to the children and their families, thereby impacting the academic performance and achievements of the children. We test the hypothesis that children whose parents have experienced chronic illness before or during high school have lower GPAs compared to their peers who have not experienced such events.

Accepted Oral Presentation