We’ve all felt the “Sunday Scaries” – that creeping anxiety as the weekend winds down and the responsibilities of the coming week loom large. For many of today’s teens, this feeling is intensified, often becoming a constant companion that interferes with their ability to fully engage in school, activities, and social life. A recent federal survey found roughly 1 in 5 teens are grappling with significant levels of anxiety or depression, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
At Rock Point School, we have spent years working closely with anxious teens, and we’ve seen firsthand that with the right support, young people can learn to manage their anxiety, find community, and flourish both academically and personally.
The Small School Advantage
One of Rock Point School’s greatest strengths is our ability to offer personalized attention, which is crucial for students dealing with anxiety. Our small class sizes allow teachers and staff to truly understand each student’s unique needs, crafting individualized strategies that help them manage their anxiety. These strategies include flexible deadlines, tailored learning plans, and one-on-one advising sessions, all designed to provide the support students need to succeed.
Every student at Rock Point creates an individualized learning plan with their advisor, setting realistic and achievable goals for the year. Advisors regularly check in with students, tracking their progress and offering guidance. This individualized approach helps students stay focused and motivated, providing a sense of accomplishment that can alleviate anxiety and boost self-esteem.
The close-knit community at Rock Point School fosters strong relationships between students and teachers. An alumna affectionately referred to Rock Point as “the second family you didn’t get to choose” because of the strong connections and attention she received at the school. In small schools like ours, teachers are more likely to notice subtle changes in a student’s behavior or mood, allowing for early intervention and appropriate support. As one recent graduate shared, “This was the first school where teachers regularly checked in on how I was doing—and actually cared about the answer. They didn’t just look at my work or my grades; they saw me as a person.”
Structure and Support
The sense of belonging that Rock Point fosters is especially important for students with anxiety. Our smaller community size creates a safe and supportive environment where students feel understood and appreciated. Amaris ’22 put it best:
“I always thought I’d be different and that being different was a bad thing. I always thought the price of sticking to my own path would be the loss of my happiness and living a fulfilling life. Rock Point showed me that it doesn’t have to be that way. I know now I can find people who love and appreciate me as I am …. It really is something I will never forget …. This has felt like a home.”
~Amaris, ’22
This acceptance and community provide a stable foundation on which anxious teens can build confidence and resilience.
At Rock Point, our systems and structures are designed to support students, particularly those with anxiety. A structured routine is crucial for these teens, providing the predictability and control they need to feel secure. Our daily schedule includes built-in study halls and easy access to teachers, ensuring that students can get the help they need throughout the day. In our dorm program, a mix of structured activities and downtime gives students the flexibility to recharge when needed, while also engaging in community life. Students even have a voice in planning weekend activities, allowing them to choose how they spend their time.
Social and Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is often a core component of the work we do at Rock Point School. While we don’t follow a set SEL curriculum, skills such as emotional regulation, stress management, and effective communication are woven into our classes, dorm program, and regular interactions with students. We emphasize the mind-body connection, encouraging healthy sleep patterns by limiting electronics use on dorm floors and maintaining a regular “lights out” time. We also highlight the importance of exercise for mental health, offering a variety of physical activities during PE, from walking the Rock Point trails to yoga to ultimate frisbee. For students with anxiety, these practices are invaluable, helping them manage their symptoms and develop lasting coping mechanisms.
Building Confidence Through New Experiences
We also focus on helping students discover and explore their interests and passions. Trying new things can be daunting for anxious teens, but in our supportive environment, students are more willing to take risks and try new activities together. Programs like CHILL, where students learn to snowboard or skateboard alongside peers and staff who are also new to the sport, create opportunities for students to build confidence, connect with others, and take healthy risks—critical experiences for those struggling with anxiety.
Leadership opportunities further empower our students. Whether it’s serving as a community meeting facilitator, directing a one-act play, or taking the lead in the kitchen work crew, these roles allow students to develop a sense of purpose and build resilience. For teens with anxiety, such experiences are transformative, helping them grow personally and prepare for future challenges.
Empowering Students to Thrive
At Rock Point School, we believe that while we cannot eliminate anxiety from the lives of our students, we can equip them with the tools to thrive despite it. Through personalized attention, strong student-teacher relationships, and a nurturing environment, we provide a foundation for our students to manage their anxiety and achieve success both academically and personally. As the prevalence of anxiety continues to rise among young people, we remain committed to helping our students develop the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
