In order to foster educational resilience in children who face adversity, adults need a clear grasp of which factors are most relevant and motivating for these children. This study asked 50 children (ages eight to 12) who face serious life difficulties to share their perspectives on which factors support academic performance and how those factors operate in their lives. Participants identified eight factors (intelligence, feelings, behaviours, home environment, family assistance, school support, community connections, organized programs) that improve academic performance and described three mechanisms (facilitating work, increasing understanding, preventing negative behaviour) by which the factors function. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.