This paper explores the effects of poverty on students’ academic performance, focusing on both direct and indirect factors that influence their educational trajectory. Through a structured analysis, it presents the consequences of poverty on the family environment, as well as on the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children and their daily school experience. Special emphasis is placed on the role of teachers, support strategies, and the necessity of adopting inclusive practices. The paper also examines methods of prevention and social protection, grounded in contemporary pedagogical and sociological approaches. It is demonstrated that poverty is a multifaceted factor that negatively affects school performance, and the importance of a holistic intervention by schools and the state is highlighted to mitigate inequalities. The study is based on both international and Greek literature and proposes directions for educational policy aimed at ensuring equal access to knowledge and success for all children.
Keywords: poverty · academic performance · students · educational inequality · psychosocial development · social protection · educational policy
