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There is a mental health crisis among American children. Mental health concerns among adolescents continue to rise, with more than eight million children ages 3–17 experiencing a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition (CDC, 2024). Research suggests that students in public and Protestant schools report similar mental health concerns (Swaner et al., 2024), and most mental health conditions emerge before age 18 (Velasco et al., 2020). Because schools are often the first place where concerns are observed, Christian schools have a unique opportunity to support students through positive relationships, spiritual formation, and access to mental health resources. 

Methodology: 

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 13 graduates from ACSI member high schools across four states. Participants graduated between 2020 and 2025 and completed semi-structured interviews focused on mental health, spiritual formation, school environment, and access to mental health support and resources. 

Each participant was asked the question: If you could go back and wish for one thing that your high school would have changed regarding mental health support, what would that be? Here is what they had to say in their own words (pseudonyms assigned). 

Implications for School Leaders: 

The findings suggest that Christian schools should prioritize access to licensed school counselors and evidence-based mental health programming. While Christian schools have historically emphasized academic achievement and spiritual formation, participants consistently described mental health support as foundational to both. Investing in mental health resources may strengthen students' academic success, spiritual growth, and overall well-being. 

The average private high school has an enrollment of 257.7 (258) students (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2021). According to the latest data from the CDC, of those 258 students, hypothetically, 102 (39.7%) would likely experience persistent sadness and hopelessness; 74 (28.5%) would likely struggle with poor mental health; 53 (20.4%) students would likely seriously consider attempting suicide, and 25 (9.5%) are likely to make a suicide attempt (Verlenden et al., 2023). These numbers are staggering, and mental health must be addressed in our schools by trained and licensed school counselors or other mental health professionals to offer a culture of care and an environment that promotes well-being.  

References: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Data and statistics on children's mental health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  

National Center for Education Statistics. (2021). Private school universe survey. U.S. Department of Education.  

Swaner, Lynn E., Albert Cheng, and Jonathan Eckert. “School-Sector Influence on Graduate Outcomes and Flourishing: Findings from the 2023 Cardus Education Survey.” Cardus, 2024.    

Swaner, Lynn E., Rian Djita, and Adam Wilson. “Mental Health and Well-Being in Christian Schools: Educators’ Perspectives.” Cardus, 2026.  

Velasco, A., Cruz, I. S. S., Billings, J., Jiménez, M., & Rowe, S. (2020). What are the barriers, facilitators and interventions targeting help-seeking behaviours for common mental health problems in adolescents? A systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 293.  

Verlenden JV, Fodeman A, Wilkins N, et al. Mental health and suicide risk among high school students and protective factors — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023. MMWR Suppl 2024;73(Suppl-4):79–86.