”Da vår trio ble delt i to”

English: This study examines how the school system optimally can work to accommodate students who experience the separation of their parents. It focuses on youth in the ages of 12-16. The theoretical emphasis regards mental health, co-operation between the school and home, and legal regulations concerning the rights of children in this age-group. This study takes into consideration Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory of development. In order to complete the study, qualitative research methods such as correspondence and personal interviews have been conducted. Three experienced middle school teachers answered questions about how they have worked to accommodate and respond to students experiencing divorce or separation in the home. The analysis of the research results is divided into three categories, which are the teacher’s follow-ups of the student, characteristics of students who experience separation between parents, and the cooperation between the school and the home. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory of development is used in order to show how the separation of their parents affects the lives of young students, and in particular, to show how the school system can contribute positively and offer support. The ecological systems theory of development is used in the discussion in order to look at students individually, and how the parents separating affects the different levels of the model. The model is also used to draw parallels to the different factors that may influence students’ life and development, where Berg (2012, p. 34) finds that students’ mental health is one of the most decisive factors for learning. Despite the fact that parents separating is not the sole cause of mental health problems for young students, the study indicates that the separation of parents can be a significant causal factor. In this way the teacher’s involvement is crucial in order for the young student’s well-being at school, and may also be important for further collaboration with the student’s home