Stressed, tired, and yearning for support

To better understand today’s students, we must explore the extent to which they feel a sense of well-being and belonging at school. While we often rely on grades and test scores to measure students’ academic progress, we frequently overlook other critical dimensions of their experience that are inextricably linked to success in school. We must also consider questions such as:

Well-being in students encompasses various aspects, including physical health, emotional wellness, and a sense of purpose and autonomy. Research consistently shows that students with higher levels of well-being are more likely to achieve academic success, maintain better relationships, and manage school-related stress more effectively (Pascoe, Hedrick, & Parker, 2019).

Data from the Challenge Success Student Voice Report (2024), which includes survey responses from more than 270,000 high school students from public, private, and charter schools across the U.S., demonstrates that many students struggle with high levels of stress and academic worry, inadequate sleep, and a feeling that they don’t belong. Students are yearning to release the pressure valve and feel better.