Varsity Brands 2024 White Paper Study

While the connection between school spirit and individual achievement is clear, it is noteworthy that overall school spirit has declined since 2014. The number of students who identified with having a high level of school spirit dropped the most dramatically. 70% 61%

In 2014, 70% of students associated with having high school spirit;

however, in the aftermath of the pandemic, by 2024 this figure decreased to 61% .

Similarly, overall connectedness, akin to school spirit, has also seen a decline since 2014, underscoring the importance of prioritizing efforts to nurture and develop school spirit.

As school spirit has declined, mental health issues have increased, suggesting a correlation between the two. As students feel less connected to their school community, they may experience increased feelings of seclusion and stress, contributing to a decline in overall wellbeing.

This white paper aims to explain why it is crucial to reassess and prioritize the essence of school spirit, especially considering its positive impact on students.

Methodology In collaboration with Teneo Research, the opinion research and data analytics arm of the global advisory firm Teneo, starting in December 2023 and concluding in February 2024, we conducted a comprehensive study across the nation’s high schools. Seeking to understand the latest perspectives on the value of school spirit and its impact on the educational ecosystem, we commissioned Teneo to conduct an extensive survey among four key audiences. This research involved 1,075 respondents, including 300 high school students (grades 10-12), 300 parents of high school students (grades 10-12), 315 administrators (comprising high school superintendents, principals, etc.), and 160 coaches nationwide.

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