Christian school educators rate student mental health positively despite national concerns, report finds

A new report released by Cardus in partnership with the Association of Christian Schools International and the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative at Denver Seminary found that most Christian school educators surveyed rated student mental health favorably, even as national concerns about youth well-being continue to grow.

The report, titled Mental Health and Well-Being in Christian Schools, surveyed more than 1,400 Christian educators across the United States in late 2024. It examined perceptions of student wellness, educator well-being and school practices related to mental health.

According to the findings, 80% of respondents rated the overall mental health of students at their schools as “good” or “excellent.”

Dr. Lynn E. Swaner, president of Cardus U.S., said the results were encouraging but should prompt further study.

“It’s very encouraging to know that the vast majority of respondents rated student mental health at their schools ‘excellent’ or ‘good,’” Swaner said in a statement. “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 stand in contrast to broader national trends. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 40% of students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness. A January 2026 survey by eLuma, a provider of school-based mental health services, found that 57% of educators and school mental health professionals believed student mental health in the United States was worsening.

The Cardus report identified several factors linked to higher educator ratings of student well-being. Educators tended to report stronger student mental health outcomes at schools with cellphone control policies, schools that integrated faith into their approaches to well-being and schools that openly acknowledged the importance of mental health.

Examples of supportive practices included prioritizing mental health alongside academic and spiritual development, showing compassion toward students experiencing mental health challenges, providing information about available support and ensuring schools were equipped to respond to student needs.

Researchers also found a strong relationship between educator well-being and perceptions of student mental health, suggesting that staff wellness may play a key role in student outcomes.

Dr. Rian Djita, director of research for ACSI, said the report could help guide future policy and practice within Christian schools.

“I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with Cardus, particularly on this mental health initiative in Christian schools,” Djita said. “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.”

The report’s authors said they hope the findings will encourage continued dialogue about how faith-based schools can support both student and educator well-being amid growing national attention to youth mental health.