It turns out your mother was probably right – at least when it comes to how you start your day.

Over the years, a number of studies have shown the important role that breakfast plays, particularly during the school year. This long-standing belief in the power of breakfast was backed up by a study from the National School Nutrition Association. Among its findings were that students who eat breakfast scored nearly 20% higher on standardized tests versus those who skipped the meal. The breakfast-enjoying students also missed less school than those students who passed on the piece of toast or bowl of oatmeal.

There are many reasons why a student might skip breakfast. Accessibility, running late, not seeing anything they like or simply forgetting are just a few of the reasons why. But with that understanding and to curb those missing a meal, Bexley City Schools food service director Julianna Carvi explained that the district offers every student breakfast each day – free of charge.

“One of the things that we have found is that options help with getting students interested in breakfast everyday,” Carvi noted, adding that while breakfast is available to all students in all grades, the option isn’t always taken up. In those cases, she suggested parents find something that kids will eat and enjoy. If they can’t, or won’t, eat right away – especially older students – Carvi suggested they throw a low sugar granola bar in their backpack for a boost of nutrition later in the morning.

“All of the studies that I have seen say quite simply that hungry students can’t learn,” she noted.

Younger children often skip a meal because there is nothing that they like while older students believe that it will help them lose weight. The National Institutes of Health took on this later idea in a controlled study and found that skipping meals reduces metabolism and “diet quality.” As for finding something children like to eat, Carvi suggested looking outside of traditional options. She recounts a child who did not like “breakfast foods,” such as cold cereals, but wanted things like cold spaghetti.

“It’s important to try to find balanced foods the kids can enjoy,” Carvi noted.

Balanced is the key word. Many parents may remember growing up in the shadow of the food pyramid. That dietary guide has been reimagined as MyPlate. Presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, MyPlate can be used to help parents plan out school lunches (if they prefer to take one in) and other meals.

Even with guidance, many parents can find it difficult to maintain a balanced nutritional diet between running to rehearsals and practices and camps. But it’s important, particularly in younger children. That’s because scientists have discovered a link between certain foods like berries, fish and even dark chocolate and brain development.

For the Wellington School in Columbus, Lindsey Smith, chief operating officer and director of athletics, a focus on nutrition stems from the concept that good, healthy food “fuels student success and prepares them for the day.”

“Our thoughtful menu offers a variety of healthy meals to support a strong body and mind,” Smith explained. “Several times a year, we feature international food items from around the world, giving students the chance to explore new flavors and develop an appreciation for different cultures and cuisines beyond what they may experience at home.”

Noell Wolfgram Evans is a freelance journalist.