Senior Leadership

A new report from Cardus, in partnership with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative at Denver Seminary, titled “Mental Health and Well-Being in Christian Schools,” surveyed more than 1,400 Christian educators across the U.S., rating student mental health in Christian schools. Findings indicate a higher rating for student wellbeing, despite growing national concern over youth mental health.

The report is based on a late-2024 survey of Christian school educators that explored perceptions of student overall wellness, educator wellbeing, and school practices related to mental health. 80 percent of respondents rated the overall mental health of students at their schools as “good” or “excellent.”

Dr. Lynn E. Swaner, Cardus President, US, shared why this report is fundamental.

“It’s very encouraging to know that the vast majority of respondents rated student mental health at their schools ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’ But that’s just the beginning of the conversation, not the end. It would be well worth investigating the mechanisms by which Christian schools are addressing mental health, including integrating their faith-based missions, which educators in our survey perceive as making a difference."

The findings contrast with broader concerns about student mental health in the United States. For example, in 2023, the CDC found that 40 percent of students had persistent sadness or hopelessness. Furthermore, according to a January 2026 survey by eLuma (which provides mental health services at schools), 57 percent of school and district leaders, teachers, special ed teachers, and mental health workers at schools report that student mental health is worsening in the United States.

Educators tended to rate student mental health higher at schools with cell phone control policies in place (vs. schools with no cellphone policies), at schools that integrate faith with their well-being approaches, and at schools that prioritized attention to and openly acknowledged the importance of mental health.

Possible forms of attention included prioritizing mental health along with academic and spiritual development, showing compassion and understanding to those struggling with mental health challenges, openly acknowledging and advocating for the importance of mental health, providing information about mental health and support options, and being equipped as a school to address students’ mental health concerns.

The report also found a strong relationship between educator wellbeing and perceptions of student mental health, highlighting the connection between staff wellness and student wellbeing in Christian school communities.

ACSI Director of Research Dr. Rian Djita reflected on the importance of the report and its potential impact in Christian schools.

“I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with Cardus, particularly on this mental health initiative in Christian schools. I hope this report’s findings will encourage meaningful discussions among educators that may lead to more effective and intentional policies and practices that support the mental health of our students.”

Read this report now: https://www.cardus.ca/research/education/reports/mental-health-and-well-being-in-christian-schools/