In today’s hyper-competitive educational environment, It has become fashionable for schools to brag about the rigor of their academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. However, beneath the facade of a “relentless pursuit of excellence” lies a harsh truth: schools are placing unattainable standards on students that are proving detrimental to their mental health and damaging to their well-being overall.
It is no secret that Jackson Prep is a challenging school. Known for its rigorous coursework, excellent athletic programs, and immense extracurricular activities, Prep seems like an ideal place for overachieving students who push themselves to the maximum of their abilities. However, the bright-eyed, bushy-tailed students who first walk into the doors of the high school as freshmen, become burnt-out, overworked seniors by graduation. This drastic shift does not happen abruptly though. Four years of late nights and early mornings filled with homework, club meetings, and sports practices cause innumerable students to lose their motivation and dedication to reach their full potential.
Many students feel that their high school experience has left them sleep deprived and socially malnourished. More alarmingly, statistics show that those with preexisting mental health conditions or learning disabilities are disproportionately affected by the intense burden that comes with such a heavy workload. According to the National Institute of Health, “Studies have shown that 30-64% of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities develop mental health disorders, a rate of 2.8-4.5 times that of their peers in the general population, including higher rates of depression, anxiety and psychosis.”
We seem to have forgotten that education is more than simply grades and standardized tests scores. The word education comes from the Latin word educare, which means “to nourish” or “to bring out.” Today, school seems to be doing the exact opposite of bringing out the best in a student. Instead of nourishing a love of learning, encouraging critical thinking, and developing well rounded young people, education has become a pressure-cooker that leaves students with “senioritis.” Additionally, the high-stakes nature of standardized tests and constant assignments stifles student’s natural curiosity and creativity. If education is meant to engage and inspire, rather than create fear and anxiety, is it really serving its purpose?
The answer to this question is varied and multifaceted. Of course, it is imperative that Prep remain a hub for higher learning. However, it is just as important that students and parents’ concerns are listened to. Additionally, success in education needs to be reevaluated. Students should not be considered “successful” because they have been pushed beyond their breaking point. Rather, Prep should focus on creating an environment that produces successful students both academically and personally.
In the long run, education should be focused on preparing young people for well-balanced and successful lives, not simply creating honor-roll students. While it is wonderful to be an educational powerhouse. Prep must place equal importance on supporting the day-in, day-out health and wellness of their students.
