Many bright, capable students struggle not because they can’t keep up — but because traditional school environments make their anxiety worse.
Parenting a teenager with anxiety can feel like an uphill battle—especially when traditional school environments make the problem worse. Crowded classrooms, rigid schedules, and constant academic pressure often leave anxious students feeling overwhelmed before the day even begins.
For many families, the solution isn’t “more of the same,” but a new approach to learning. An online school designed for students with anxiety offers flexibility, personal attention, and a calmer environment where students can succeed at their own pace.
At Tenney School Live, we’ve built our accredited online middle and high school around one-to-one instruction and individualized schedules. This model not only helps students manage their anxiety but also gives them the tools and confidence to thrive academically and personally.
Below are three qualities of Tenney School Live that assist our students with anxiety to get their learning back on track:

One-On-One Instruction
Each of our students receives private, one-to-one instruction in core subjects: English, science, social studies, and math

Individual Curriculum
We are founded founded on the belief that every student has a different learning style, and school curriculum should be flexible to meet each student’s individual needs.

Accelerated Learning
Tenney School strives to ensure that each student receives the attention he/she needs to achieve his/her greatest academic potential.
How Anxiety Affects Learning in Traditional Schools
Many students with anxiety find that the traditional school environment adds to their stress instead of reducing it. Common challenges include:
-
Large class sizes that make it hard to ask questions without feeling exposed
-
Strict schedules with no room for breaks or recovery
-
High-stakes testing that increases pressure
-
Social dynamics (crowds, peer comparison, bullying) that worsen anxiety
These daily stressors can make school feel like a place to survive rather than a place to learn.
See how our one-to-one online model works
Why Online School Can Help Students with Anxiety
Online school offers a calmer, more flexible setting. Students can:
-
Start their day later or take breaks when needed
-
Learn in a safe, familiar home environment
-
Progress at their own pace without classroom distractions
-
Interact one-to-one with teachers who understand their needs
By removing many of the stress triggers of traditional school, online learning creates space for students to rebuild confidence and focus on growth.
The Tenney School Live Approach
At Tenney School Live, we combine the benefits of online school with the accountability of a structured program:
-
One-to-one instruction: Every student gets direct teacher attention, which reduces performance anxiety.
-
Flexible scheduling: Families can create a school day that fits the student’s natural rhythms.
-
Personalized support: Teachers adjust lessons and pacing to help each student succeed.
This approach allows anxious students to experience school as a supportive partnership rather than a daily source of stress.
Benefits Families Notice
Parents often share that after enrolling in Tenney School Live:
-
Morning battles fade, replaced by calmer routines
-
Students show more energy and confidence during the day
-
Anxiety symptoms decrease as stressors are removed
-
Academic performance becomes more consistent
Inquire Today
Submit the form and we’ll reach out to you with more info!
How It Works
Learning in Comfort
As a Tenney School Live student, you choose the classes you take and we work the schedule around you!
- Classes running from 9am-2pm (Central Time), or after school tutoring
- One-to-One core curriculum classes for English, Science, History, and Math!
- Elective courses can be taken on Tenney School Live or offsite
This is the perfect online school for students with anxiety!
Online Classes
At Tenney School Live, we believe in a flexible online school built just for you! That’s why we allow students to use their own devices for online classes. However, to ensure the best learning experience, each student will also receive a document camera and a Chromebook if they don’t have a preferred device. Plus, each student will be given a tenneyschool.com Office 365 account, which provides access to a suite of powerful tools. To top it off, our one-to-one teachers are easily accessible on Microsoft Teams or Zoom, making it easy to get personalized attention!
Can Be Taken Anywhere!
For half a century, The Tenney School has been championing personalized, one-to-one learning experiences!
In March of 2020, we introduced the latest addition to our program – One-to-one Distance Learning. The Tenney Distance Learning Page has all the nitty-gritty details of our program that you need to know. Check it out now!
Required Resources
Staff
Tenney School Live students take lessons from the same high-quality staff delivering face-to-face instruction on campus at The Tenney School.
Device
Students will need a device to use for lessons. Students who don’t have a device will be issued a Chromebook by The Tenney School.
Internet Access
It is important Tenney School Live students have a reliable internet connection for the video lesson to have maximum effectiveness.
Textbooks
Students will be supplied a set of textbooks from The Tenney School based on individual course enrollment.
Office365
All students will be provided a Tenney School Office365 account to have access to the entire suite of office tools (including Microsoft Teams-our primary classroom for online learning).
Google Account
Students using the school issued Chromebooks will also be assigned a google account.
What Our Students Say:
“Blake really likes the online classes – he gets up at the same time, has the same morning routine and generally enjoys the approach.”
“It is going amazingly well! The structure really made it easy to transition to distance learning…The teachers have been so impressive during this time! Well done!”
“We appreciate how prepared you guys were for this. Everything has gone great…I almost feel guilty telling my friends how well it’s been going for us!”
“Thank you, the teaching staff and your IT department for the creative solutions, implementation, and success that have been delivered.”
“Just wanted to send this note to thank for all the effort you and the entire Tenney School team had put for this transition to be successful. The remote learning system is working very well, and the transition (at least from our end) has been very smooth.”
“I’m so appreciative to all your hard efforts to make this distance learning a reality in such a short time. The kids need a purpose each day, and this is helping them stay on track.”
“Congratulations on your online success! It was intuitive to me that you would easily make the transition and that your students would continue to benefit from online learning in your wonderful school!”
FAQs About Online School for Students with Anxiety
-
Is online school good for kids with anxiety?
Yes. It reduces many of the stress triggers of traditional classrooms while still providing structure and teacher support. -
Will my child still be challenged academically?
Absolutely. Our one-to-one model ensures students are both supported and challenged at the right level. -
How do teachers connect with students online?
Through regular live video sessions, personal check-ins, and individualized assignments. -
Can students transition back to in-person school later?
Yes. Many families use online school as a bridge while their student gains confidence and stability.