High school isn't easy for most students. Teens today juggle more than in past generations. Social media never stops. College pressure starts earlier. Friendships get complicated. 

In this swirl of activity, mindfulness offers a lifeline. But what exactly is mindfulness in education? Nothing fancy, really. It's about paying attention to now and not worrying about yesterday's test or tomorrow's application deadline.

When teens learn to stay present, good things happen:

• Test anxiety doesn't take over
• Creative solutions come more easily
• Relationships improve
• Sleep gets better
• Learning sticks

These benefits aren't just nice extras but game-changers for many students.

Every season at Lake Tahoe Prep brings different opportunities to connect with nature.

Winter Months
Snow completely transforms the Olympic Valley from November through April.

With Palisades Tahoe nearby, students get to experience the mountain in winter. Whether they're just learning or already advanced, skiing and snowboarding demand complete focus. You can't multitask on a black diamond run!

The winter landscape also creates natural moments of wonder— watching snow fall silently outside classroom windows, catching the alpenglow on mountains during evening study hall, or seeing animal tracks while cross-country skiing. These moments naturally pull students into present-moment awareness.

Fall and Spring

Hiking trails open up as snow melts. Students explore places like the Desolation Wilderness during our outdoor programs. There's something about putting one foot in front of another on a mountain trail that clears the mind.

During Outdoor Education Week, students spend five days on adventures that challenge them physically while creating natural moments of wonder and awareness. They return with new confidence and perspective, often showing improved focus in their academic work.

The changing seasons provide lessons in impermanence and adaptation - core concepts in mindfulness practices. Students witness the cycle of growth, change, and renewal firsthand, not just as abstract concepts in biology class.

Summer at Lake Tahoe

When school's out, Lake Tahoe becomes the center of activity. The cold, clear water wakes you up like nothing else! Swimming and kayaking are activities that naturally pull you into the present moment.

Our summer program combines academic credit recovery with these outdoor experiences, helping students make academic progress while benefiting from the mental clarity that comes from time in nature. It’s a respite for teens who need to catch up and recenter.

Inside our classrooms, small groups make a huge difference. With just seven students max per class, there's nowhere to hide - in a good way. Teachers notice when someone's mind is wandering. Discussions include everyone.

This creates a different kind of classroom where:

• Questions get answered
• Confusion gets cleared up
• Connections get made
• People who notice
• Learning gets personal

Small classes also reduce the social pressure that often distracts teens from learning. Without 30 other students watching, it's easier to ask questions, make mistakes, and fully engage with challenging material.

Our daily schedule reinforces this natural engagement. Academic classes in the morning give way to physical activity in the afternoon, creating a rhythm that aligns with attention spans and energy levels. Students return to evening study halls refreshed and ready to focus again.

Want to see if this environment might be the school setting where your teen can thrive? Connect with us— we’d love to show you around!

We're not alone in recognizing the benefits of mindfulness in education. Schools nationwide are implementing various programs, and researchers are documenting positive outcomes in academic performance, behavior, and well-being.

Lake Tahoe Prep is unique because we don't just add mindfulness programs to a conventional school day. Our entire approach - from our mountain setting to our small classes to our daily schedule - naturally creates conditions where mindful awareness can flourish.

A growing body of research on outdoor mindfulness activities suggests that combining nature exposure with attention to the present moment amplifies benefits for both. Students develop greater self-awareness and stronger connections to their surroundings, creating foundations for academic success and personal well-being.

We care about more than just grades. Our therapeutic support for teens dealing with bigger challenges sometimes includes mindfulness-based approaches. But even for students who don't need formal support, our setting offers:

• Space to breathe
• Time to move
• Places to reflect
• People who notice

This comprehensive approach recognizes that academic success doesn't happen in isolation. Students learn best when they feel balanced, connected, and present— states that our natural environment naturally encourages.

Finding the Right Fit

For many teens, especially those who are overwhelmed in traditional school settings or disconnected from what they’re learning, our mountain setting offers a different path.

Mountains aren’t just part of the scenery— they are part of an extensive outdoor mindfulness classroom.

Want to see if this environment might be the school setting where your teen can thrive? Connect with us— we’d love to show you around!