What happened?
Harvard-Westlake School, one of the most elite private schools in Los Angeles, has been hit by a series of student suicides in the past year. Three students have died by suicide since January 2023, shocking the school community and raising questions about the mental health challenges faced by teens in high-pressure environments.
The first victim was a 16-year-old sophomore girl, who took her own life in March 2023. She was described by her friends and teachers as a bright and kind person, who had a passion for music and art. The second victim was a 17-year-old senior boy, who shot himself in May 2023. He was a talented athlete and musician, who had a promising future ahead of him. The third victim was a 16-year-old junior boy, who killed himself in July 2023. He was a popular and funny student, who loved to make people laugh.
According to LA Mag, these three deaths are not the only ones that have occurred at Harvard-Westlake in recent years. In 2013, a 16-year-old junior boy collapsed and died during a swimming practice. The cause of his death was later determined to be a rare heart condition. In 2015, a 15-year-old freshman girl died in a car accident on her way to school. She was a gifted dancer and singer, who had a zest for life.
Why did it happen?
The reasons behind each suicide are complex and personal, and may never be fully known. However, some experts and observers have pointed out some possible factors that could have contributed to the mental distress of the students at Harvard-Westlake.
One of them is the intense academic pressure that the students face at the school, which has a reputation for excellence and rigor. Harvard-Westlake is known for its high standards and expectations, as well as its competitive admissions process and tuition fees. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate, and many of its graduates go on to attend Ivy League and other top universities. According to Forbes, Harvard-Westlake is ranked as the 11th best private high school in the country, and the 2nd best in California.
However, this also means that the students have to deal with a heavy workload, demanding curriculum, and constant pressure to perform and achieve. Some students may feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious about their grades, test scores, college applications, or future prospects. Some may also struggle with the fear of failure, disappointment, or rejection from their parents, teachers, or peers. Some may feel isolated, lonely, or depressed, and may not seek or receive the help they need.
Another factor is the social pressure that the students face at the school, which is influenced by the affluent and celebrity culture of Los Angeles. Harvard-Westlake is attended by many children of Hollywood’s elite, such as actors, directors, producers, and agents. The school also attracts students from wealthy and influential families, who can afford the $47,000 annual tuition. According to CalSchoolNews, this creates a sense of privilege and entitlement among some students, who may have access to unlimited resources and opportunities. However, this also creates a sense of inequality and insecurity among others, who may feel inadequate, inferior, or envious of their peers. Some may also feel pressured to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty, popularity, or success, and may resort to unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse, eating disorders, or self-harm.
What can be done?
The Harvard-Westlake administration has expressed its grief and condolences over the student deaths, and has taken some steps to address the mental health issues in the school. According to a statement issued to LA Mag, the school has increased its counseling staff, offered more wellness programs and resources, and encouraged more communication and support among students, parents, and faculty. The school has also partnered with external experts and organizations, such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to provide education and training on suicide prevention and intervention.
However, some critics and advocates have argued that these measures are not enough, and that the school needs to make more fundamental and systemic changes to its culture and policies. Some have suggested that the school should reduce its academic pressure, by easing its grading system, limiting its homework assignments, or offering more flexibility and choice in its curriculum. Some have also suggested that the school should foster a more inclusive and diverse environment, by promoting more social and emotional learning, celebrating more achievements and talents beyond academics, or providing more scholarships and financial aid to low-income and minority students.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a school community that is more compassionate, supportive, and resilient, and that values the well-being and happiness of its students above all else. As one Harvard-Westlake alum told LA Mag, “The school needs to realize that these kids are not machines. They are human beings. They have feelings. They have dreams. They have lives.”