Striving for Balance & Fighting Toxic Achievement Pressure in K-12 Schools

“Your life won’t work out if you don’t do well in school.”

“You’re a disappointment or a failure if you don’t meet expectations.”

These perpetuating ideas of very narrow definitions of success in education are at the heart of what Bay Area nonprofit Challenge Success is striving to redefine. They aim to create a healthier, more balanced perspective on achievement by addressing the root causes of K-12 student stress and anxiety. Ultimately, their vision is that each student will be valued for their unique assets, identities, and definitions of success, and that all students feel supported by the adults in their communities to lead healthy, balanced lives. 

When they ask students questions like, “What does success mean to you?” In response, they hear consistent themes about the importance of grades, high GPAs and test scores, and post-secondary plans. Middle and high school students now are more often than not stressed, overwhelmed, and anxiety-riddled by intense achievement pressure. This type of unhealthy, chronic stress is taking a toll on the physical and mental health of students – resulting in sleep deprivation, and mental health challenges.

Whenever student well-being is suffering, it is very difficult for them to be successful in their learning experience. The organization’s groundbreaking research and equity-centered approach helps schools to minimize unnecessary pressure while increasing enjoyment of learning and overall student well-being.

“By emphasizing academic achievement at all costs, school environments may unintentionally harm students – especially those who have been historically marginalized,” says Megan Pacheco, executive director of Challenge Success. The good news, she says, is that the research is clear around protective factors for student well-being. When students are supported at home and school by trusted adults, they are more likely to be able to manage their stress levels and engage in their academics in a meaningful way. 

Founded over two decades ago, Challenge Success’s proven model gathers insights from students, staff, and caregivers (at a multitude of partner schools) through carefully designed surveys and focus groups. They then use this data as a foundation to collaborate with the schools to design strategies that prioritize student well-being that are unique to each school’s community. Central to this process is the inclusion of student voices. Students not only participate in the surveys but also serve on advisory teams to shape the strategies aimed at helping them thrive – academically, emotionally, and socially.

Challenge Success doesn’t just implement changes and walk away, Pacheco says. They are committed to a continuous improvement approach, where schools are supported in evaluating the impact of their initiatives and refining them as needed so that the changes take root and lead to lasting improvements in student well-being.

“We are helping schools build a future where students are not just surviving the pressures of school but are truly flourishing,” Pacheco says.