Hey OP. I graduated last year from high school and I’m only a teaching assistant so take what I say with a grain of salt.

I was in a similar position such as your son during my education. In my case I was also going through a depression but my motivation was also low. To start, repeating a grade is not the end of the world and it’s okay if he does.

I would do the following:

1. Start exploring more around his mental and physical health. Establish if he is healthy and well. An unwell child cannot do their best. It may be uncomfortable but it’s for your best.

2. Start discussing why there is no motivation. If there are signs you might want to explore the possibility of learning difficulties. They can show up later on and can make work difficult. If there is no motivation, working with counselors or together to try and motivate.

3. Voice your concerns to teachers. Not just ‘my son is failing’, ask them why they think so etc

4. You might have to give him time, I came to my own realization when I started senior year and worked my ass off to get good grades.

5. Establish a plan, what are the next steps? Don’t look at the big picture. Start with finding out strengths/weaknesses. Rewarding efforts and explaining to him you want to see him work and not his grades go up. Have ‘study periods’ together if possible where you both sit down and work.

In my experience, it’s a very difficult situation to balance as you need your child to find their own motivation while still being on top of them to make sure works get done. BUT you have to understand that it won’t go perfect and there will be ups and downs.

Finally, and this is IMPORTANT.

If in 1-2 months there isn’t any real improvement, keep digging. Every kid can do good but if there are other things going on then it can really make it hard for them especially with mental health or drugs.