NAIS Research Analyst
Executive Summary
The Independent School Health Check (ISHC) is a comprehensive survey developed in 2007 by Peter Wells and Rosemary Baggish of BMW Consulting LLC. In 2018, BMW Consulting partnered with Indiana University’s Center for Survey Research to administer the survey. On December 31, 2020, BMW Consulting transferred the ISHC to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). NAIS continues to work with Indiana University in the administration of this survey. The extensive data include results from thousands of students attending grades 9-12 in independent schools across the country. The survey evaluates students’ behaviors and well-being, as well as perceptions of their own and their peers’ well-being.The ISHC assesses these topics, among others: academic performance and pressure; family and social relationships, and mental health; high-risk behaviors, including substance abuse, unprotected sex, and bullying; sleep habits; diet; and internet use and social media.
This report details the most significant changes in results between the 2022-2023 ISHC survey and the 2014-2017 ISHC baseline. These two sets of data offer insight into students’ well-being prior to and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most significant changes fell within four categories: internet safety, academic performance and pressure, mental health, and perceptions of high-risk behavior.
Downloadable Content
- Read the full NAIS Research Advisory: 2022-2023 Independent School Health Check Report: Key Changes in High School Results (PDF; member login required)
Related Resources
- NAIS Independent School Health Check (ISHC) Survey
- NAIS Research: Learning Loss in Independent Schools, Part 2: Mental Health in the Pandemic Era
- NAIS Research on LGBTQ+ Youth Well-Being: Part 2: LGBTQ+ Students and the Independent School Health Check
- NAIS Research Advisory: Trends in Grades, Academic Pressure, and Belonging by Race
- NAIS Research: Trends in the 2023 High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE)