How can I help my teen manage school anxiety?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Advanced Students Facing School Anxiety

Many parents of advanced students are surprised to see their teens struggle with school anxiety. You may notice your child excelling in academics but still feeling overwhelmed or worried about their performance. Even high-achieving teens can experience intense stress related to grades, peer expectations, or future plans. As a parent, your encouragement and understanding can make a significant difference in helping your teen develop lifelong coping skills and maintain their love for learning.

Definitions

School anxiety refers to persistent worry, nervousness, or fear related to academic demands, social situations, or school performance.

Academic anxiety is a type of stress that specifically relates to concerns about grades, tests, assignments, or meeting expectations.

How to help teens manage school anxiety: Actionable steps for parents

If you are wondering how to help teens manage school anxiety, you are not alone. Many teachers and parents report that even the most advanced students can feel anxious about maintaining high grades, balancing activities, and preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. This anxiety can show up as irritability, sleep changes, avoidance of schoolwork, or even physical symptoms like headaches.

Experts in child development note that anxiety is a normal reaction to challenging situations, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with learning and well-being. Here are some practical steps you can take to support your teen:

Recognize the signs of anxiety in high school students

• Frequent complaints about not feeling well before school or exams
• Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
• Difficulty starting assignments or excessive procrastination
• Withdrawing from friends or school activities
• Negative self-talk or feeling “never good enough”

It is important to approach your teen with empathy. Let them know their feelings are valid and that many students experience similar challenges.

Start the conversation: How can I encourage my teen to open up?

Opening a dialogue about stress can feel awkward, especially if your child is used to performing at a high level. Try asking open-ended questions like, “What part of school feels most stressful to you right now?” or “Are there times when you feel really worried about your work?” Listen without judgment and avoid rushing to “fix” the problem. Sometimes, teens just need space to express their worries before they are ready to brainstorm solutions.

Identify and address academic anxiety triggers

For advanced students, anxiety often centers on specific academic situations. Triggers can include:

• Major exams or standardized tests
• High-stakes presentations or competitions
• Fear of disappointing teachers, classmates, or family
• Managing multiple advanced courses or extracurricular activities

Once you and your teen identify what triggers their anxiety, you can work together to create a plan. For example, if test anxiety is a main concern, help your teen develop effective study routines and test-day strategies. Our study habits resource offers helpful tools to build confidence before exams.

Foster resilience and confidence: Confidence-building techniques

Confidence is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety. Encourage your teen to:

• Reflect on past successes, no matter how small
• Practice positive self-talk, such as “I can handle this challenge”
• Set realistic goals and celebrate progress
• Reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow

Remind your child that it is okay to make mistakes and that learning is a process. Confidence grows when teens see themselves overcoming obstacles and bouncing back from disappointment. For more tips, visit our confidence-building skills page.

Teach coping strategies for daily stress

How to help teens manage school anxiety often starts with teaching simple, repeatable coping skills. Examples include:

• Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises before stressful events
• Breaking large assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks
• Creating a daily routine that includes breaks and time for hobbies
• Using organizational tools such as planners or apps

Encourage your teen to experiment with different techniques and adopt what works best for them. Our organizational skills resources offer more guidance on helping students create structure and reduce overwhelm.

How can I support my teen without adding pressure?

It is natural to want your advanced student to do their best, but too much focus on achievement can add to their stress. Show interest in their well-being rather than just their grades. Remind them that effort and growth matter just as much as results. Offer help with time management or encourage healthy habits, but let your teen take the lead in finding solutions. Sometimes, the best support is simply being present and available to listen.

High school and overcoming academic anxiety: What does progress look like?

Progress can look different for every student. For some, it may mean feeling less nervous before tests. For others, it could be seeking help when they feel stuck or trying a new approach to studying. The path to overcoming academic anxiety is not always linear, and setbacks are normal. Celebrate small wins and remind your teen that growth often happens step by step.

To reduce high school stress, encourage healthy sleep habits, regular exercise, and downtime with friends or creative activities. These routines support both mental and physical well-being.

What if anxiety becomes overwhelming?

If your teen’s anxiety is interfering with daily life or academics, it may be time to seek additional support. School counselors, mental health professionals, or trusted teachers can provide guidance and resources. You can also explore expert-led programs or tutoring that address both academic and emotional needs.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the unique challenges advanced students face, including emotional barriers like school anxiety. Our personalized approach strengthens skills, boosts confidence, and helps students navigate stress in a supportive environment. We partner with families to foster resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Further Reading

• Back-to-School Anxiety
• Confidence-Boosting Strategies for the Elementary Classroom
• 9 Tips for Helping Grade-Schoolers Cope with Test Anxiety

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].