Hi - First some background - I have a teenage son who is almost 17. His mom and I divorced over 4 years ago. I have remarried and have children with my second wife.

My question is concerning my teenage son. He has always attended parochial school. He is a bright kid, but is very unmotivated academically, which seems to have worsened over the last year. When it comes to academics, my rule is "only A's, B's, or C's" and my only goal for him is to have the opportunity to attend a decent college (i.e. we're not shooting for Ivy League). Keeping the grades in the acceptable range has been a challenge for years, and is purely a result of motivation. Frankly I am fed up with paying over $7,000+ annually for his education when he is lazy concerning academics (his phrase). I am considering putting him into public school for his last 2 years of high school. The public school he would attend has many students there that he grew up with in grade and middle school, so I know he would find friends quickly.

Question: Is it a mistake to change schools at this point in high school? I just don't see the logic in continuing to pay for a top rate education if he is not willing to take advantage of it and just "coast and slack" for his last 2 years.

Already Tried:
For a while I tried micromanaging his academic progress, but that didn't work. More recently I told him he "owned" his academic progress (not me) but if my standards weren't met there would still be negative consequences (i.e. grounding). He was responsible for monitoring his progress and making adjustments.