Did you know that according to research by the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 70 % of teens aged 13-17 report that their peers go through anxiety or depression. The report also informs that 3/4th of the high schoolers and half of the middle schoolers are stressed about schoolwork. The modern educational landscape is undoubtedly facing a silent crisis. While academic benchmarks continue to rise, the emotional toll on students has reached a tipping point.

In an age of digital distraction and high performance, the conversation around education is shifting. It is no longer just about what a child knows; it is about how a child feels.

What’s the solution? 

Selecting the right educational environment is the first step in ensuring a child’s long-term success and emotional well-being. Ekya Schools, one of the leading schools in Bangalore, is a progressive community where children, educators, and parents collaborate to empower the next generation of changemakers by establishing a strong foundation for student well-being.

1. The Power of the Social Contract

Wellbeing begins with a sense of safety and belonging. At Ekya Schools, rules don’t exist. They’ve co-created Social Contracts. These are agreements made within the classroom by the students themselves.

By defining how they wish to be treated and how they will treat others, students build a culture of mutual respect. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) study, students who participate in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs like this show an 11% gain in academic achievement. At Ekya, the Social Contract is a daily practice that reduces anxiety and fosters a secure learning environment.

2. Living the Philosophy: Aware, Compassionate, Engaged

Ekya’s core philosophy, Aware, Compassionate, Engaged, serves as a daily roadmap for wellbeing:

• Aware: They encourage students to cultivate self-awareness. Recognising one’s own emotions is the first step in managing stress.
• Compassionate: By practicing empathy, students reduce social friction. For instance, their “Jal House” members endorse kind-heartedness, reminding the entire campus that sensitivity and modesty are strengths.
• Engaged: Being engaged in the community provides students with a sense of purpose, such as the Vriddhi Service Learning Program or campus waste management. What happens within a child when they engage in such impactful activities? “Doing good” releases dopamine and oxytocin, often referred to as the “helper’s high.”

3. Physical Health as a Pillar of Mental Clarity

You cannot separate the mind from the body. Science shows that physical activity increases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein that supports brain plasticity and learning.

Ekya’s after-school programs are designed specifically to support social, emotional, and cognitive development. This includes basketball coaching and karate, dance, and music; these activities provide a safe space for students to decompress after academic hours. These practices ensure that learners are  “thinking” and are physically active, which is essential for long-term mental health.

4. The “Love to Read” Ritual

In a world of short-form videos, the ability to slow down is a superpower. That’s where Ekya’s Love to Read Program plays its part. Deep reading has been shown to lower heart rates and reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Through in-class libraries and “Reading Weeks,” they provide students with a quiet refuge, allowing them to enhance their vocabulary while finding a peaceful escape in the pages of a book.

5. Intentional Leadership: The House System

Well-being is also tied to identity. Ekya’s House system allows students to find their place in a smaller, supportive “family” within the school:

• Vayu House (Air): Focuses on the “Learner” with the motto “Learning for Life,” encouraging a growth mindset.
• Bhoomi House (Earth): Focuses on the “Doer” with the motto “To Inspire and Achieve,” building confidence through consistent action.

When a student knows their role, whether they are a Change Maker (Agni) or a Thinker (Jal), they feel a sense of belonging that is a critical buffer against social isolation.

The Science of a “Balanced Day”

External data suggests that the most successful students are those who have a balanced “Brain Productivity Diet.” This includes:

• Focus Time: Achieved through “Visible Thinking Routines.”
• Play Time: Encouraged through co-curriculars.
• Down Time: Facilitated by calm, purpose-based school environments.

A Commitment to the Future

At Ekya Schools, one of the best schools in Bangalore, students are integrating these daily practices to ensure that they graduate as healthy, resilient, and compassionate individuals.

Is your child’s school prioritizing their well-being? Join Ekya Schools, where a happy child is a successful child.