Student Mental Health Matters When Choosing a School

A student’s success in school is about more than academics. Their mental and emotional well-being also plays an important role in helping them learn, grow and stay engaged.

Pamela Keller, school counselor at Insight School of Oklahoma (ISOK), recently shared in an op-ed in The Oklahoman about why families should consider mental health when evaluating whether a school environment is the right fit for their child.

Drawing from both her professional experience and her personal perspective as a parent, Keller explains how some students may struggle with the social pressures, anxiety and stress that can come with traditional school settings. For these students, online learning can provide a more flexible and personalized environment that supports both academic progress and emotional well-being.

Some signs that a student may be struggling with their current school environment include:

Reluctance or refusal to attend school
Increased anxiety or emotional outbursts
Withdrawal from friends or activities
Difficulty focusing or staying engaged in class
Declining academic performance

At ISOK, Keller has seen how virtual education can help students rebuild confidence, reduce stress and reconnect with learning while still participating in a supportive school community.

As families plan for the upcoming school year, Keller encourages parents to have conversations with their children about their school experience and consider whether their current environment is helping them thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

To read Pamela Keller’s perspective on the connection between student well-being and school choice, click here to read her op-ed in The Oklahoman.