Health and Academics

Download the Health and Academics fact sheets.

Healthy students are better learners, and academic achievement bears a lifetime of benefits for health. Recent research illustrates that higher academic grades are associated with more positive individual and cumulative health behaviors among high school students. However, youth risk behaviors, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary behaviors, tobacco use, alcohol use, and other drug use are consistently linked to poor grades and test scores and lower educational attainment.¹

School programs can use the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to promote positive health behaviors and lessen negative health behaviors. Looking beyond the classroom and into community organizations and other public or private partnerships can also reduce inequalities in educational achievement and health outcomes.⁹

School programs that account for the individual, family, school, and community can positively influence both student health behaviors and learning.^2,3 Evidence-based, effectively coordinated, and strategically planned school health programs and services are also necessary for closing the academic achievement gap and promoting health equity.^{4, 10}