Two Tragic Years at L.A.’s Most Elite Private School

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As a mental health professional with years of experience, I cannot help but feel deeply saddened and concerned by the series of suicides at Harvard-Westlake School. The story of this esteemed institution grappling with such a difficult issue resonates deeply with me, as I too have lost a loved one to suicide.

On October 17th, families associated with Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles were faced with the news they had likely been apprehensive about for over a year.

This morning, a ninth-grader tragically passed away at home. We feel it’s crucial to inform you that the student chose to take his own life, as shared by the school.

The heartbreaking passing of a 15-year-old, who a classmate later referred to as someone who embodied the essence of an exceptional friend, would have been devastating anywhere. However, at Harvard-Westlake, known for its connections within Hollywood’s elite, it marked the fourth student death by suicide since March 2023. Other members of the community had also taken their own lives more recently.

Rates of young people taking their own lives are increasing, and it seems that this trend is particularly noticeable at Harvard-Westlake. Sheila Siegel, a former parent and psychologist at the school for over two decades until 2013, remembers only one student suicide during her tenure. “The world has become scarier,” Siegel states. “I’m grateful to be old; I no longer worry about global warming, but if I were 16, I would.” Jim Burns, a retired teacher from Harvard-Westlake, notes that every faculty member he knew genuinely cared for their students. Such tragedies indicate that something severely problematic has occurred.

Following the unfortunate incidents, I found solace in the school’s proactive measures to prioritize student well-being. They appointed a Wellness Director, eased grading policies, and promised individual counselor support. The school even introduced therapy dogs and chalk for creative sidewalk art – quite an uplifting sight! For a while, it seemed like these initiatives were making a positive impact.

As a student eagerly anticipating a sense of normality after an unprecedented year, I received the heart-wrenching news that another classmate from our middle school had passed away. It had been a while since we last faced such a tragedy, and many of us thought perhaps it wouldn’t happen again. However, with the challenges posed by COVID-19, the racial awakening of summer 2020, and previous suicides, I had hoped that this school year would be different – a chance to leave those dark moments behind. But alas, fate had other plans.

Progressing through such academic environments can be tough, especially when faced with fierce competition and high standards, as many observers note. One seasoned veteran of these institutions comments, “Student suicides are virtually an unavoidable outcome of the [elite school] system.” They continue, “You’re competing against individuals whose families are financially powerful. You’re competing against people who are exceptionally attractive. Everyone is extremely intelligent and driven. … It’s a setting where any weakness or vulnerability in you will be exposed.” A senior at Harvard-Westlake expresses the difficulty they’ve experienced, saying, ” frankly, we didn’t anticipate that students could succumb to such tragic circumstances.

***

Today, Harvard-Westlake traces its roots back to 1989 when the all-boys military boarding school, Harvard School, and the Westlake School for Girls decided to combine. As of now, the school is divided into two locations: Studio City accommodates 875 upper school students, while Holmby Hills houses 745 middle school students. Jacques Steinberg depicted it in his 2002 book, “The Gatekeepers,” as a prestigious institution for the offspring of numerous Hollywood elite figures. Its reputation remains much the same, with Nicole LaPorte labeling it a powerful catalyst to success in the 21st century in her 2021 book, “Guilty Admissions.

The alumni list boasts many famous last names such as Collins, Curtis, Platt, Gyllenhaal, Garcetti, Spielberg, Hanks, Moonves, Spelling, Zanuck, Getty. Notably, Charlie Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, served on the board until his passing in November 2023. Trustees up to 2023 also included Jane Eisner, Anthony Pritzker, Spencer Rascoff (co-founder of Zillow), Bobby Kotick (former CEO of Activision Blizzard), influential figures in finance, law, media, and medicine, as well as MLB team owners. Like other Los Angeles preparatory schools, the parent body is primarily drawn from the professional class surrounding Hollywood, not just actors and directors, but their associates such as plastic surgeons and lawyers too.

The competitive mindset starts before students even get in; fewer than a quarter of applicants do. “It’s kind of everything that people say about private schools, but at the extreme end,” says an independent-schools veteran, “the Hollywood fame, the enormous wealth, the academic pressure to get into top Ivies.” Compared with many other area prep schools, this one has more students and more money. The head of school made $1.8 million the past fiscal year, according to a recent school tax filing. It employs college counselors who are “on speaking terms with Ivy League admissions officers,” says Jon Reider, an independent college consultant and former Stanford admissions officer. For many families, the ROI on the nearly $50,000 annual tuition pays off; about 17 percent of the class of 2024 went to Ivies.

However, these accomplishments can sometimes carry a heavy price tag, claim alumni and others. An insider from Los Angeles independent schools describes the work culture there as an unhealthy obsession with rigor, where student well-being often takes a back seat to resume enhancement, competition, and college admissions. A 2019 poll in Harvard-Westlake’s student newspaper, The Chronicle, revealed that out of 317 student respondents, 111 admitted to contemplating suicide and 182 reported experiencing depression. Alumni share stories about ruthless college admissions processes and instances where students resorted to stealing notes to undermine their classmates. The newspaper would even publish a list of students and the colleges they were attending. According to an alumna, the student mentality was primarily focused on, “What do I need to do in order to get into a top school?

Modern students could be encountering more challenges than ever before, due to factors such as social media, concerns about the environment, and democracy. A Los Angeles source expresses concern about the pressure these students face when they’re grappling with life-defining questions. “When they are told that a perfect score is essential or they must achieve a 5 out of 12 on AP exams to gain college admission,” this individual remarks, “some students may simply give up, feeling overwhelmed by the demands.

***

In October 2022, the first of several recent suicides occurred. One such instance involved an alumnus from Brown University. This individual was a renowned swimmer who held records at Harvard-Westlake. An obituary in The Chronicle did not refer to his death as a suicide.

Next month, a former alumnus and parent of Harvard-Westlake, who worked in the entertainment sector, tragically took his own life. Then on March 2, 2023, a 15-year-old sophomore student ended her life. She was an active member of the varsity field hockey team and had a passion for photography. A visual arts teacher paid tribute to her in the school newspaper as sensitive and gifted, describing her as “a quiet, insightful observer of the world.” The teacher stated, “We’re not supposed to have favorites… but she was one.

Information about the incident swiftly circulated among classrooms and group conversations prior to any formal announcement. Eventually, an email arrived with the heavy news, stating “We write this with deep sorrow to share devastating news.” At present, the cause remains unknown… The email also mentioned there would be a gathering and regular classes would still take place, but teachers were allowed to set aside time for expressing thoughts and emotions.

Approximately seven weeks past, on April 19, a 18-year-old senior tragically ended his life. Following closely on the heels of a car accident that claimed the life of a school maintenance worker, some students felt as though they were experiencing an unending series of misfortunes. This incident, however, was confirmed to be a suicide by the school administration. Some students learned about it upon their arrival at school in the morning. “Upon entering, the security guard informed me, ‘Go to the assembly, something unfortunate happened to another student,'” shared a senior who spoke with THR. “I thought, ‘Not again’.

Following the second reported suicide, the school implemented a policy aimed at alleviating stress and trauma for students: They would still submit assignments and take exams, but their grades could only improve, not decrease. As expressed by Head of Upper School Beth Slattery via email, “Our aim is to allow them to continue learning without the extra burden of potential negative impacts on their final-year grades.” However, the students shifted from feelings of sadness to apprehension. A senior student reflected, “There was a growing fear of, who might be next?” Tragically, eight days later, the father of the first student, a 15-year-old sophomore, took his own life.

The school made efforts to provide aid, specifically arranging specialized counseling for the Asian American and Pacific Islander student group, with one pupil being a member. A teacher even replaced a book they intended to read – “As I Lay Dying.” A science teacher informed “The Chronicle” that most students have generally disengaged. School president Rick Commons stated in the student newspaper, “It’s essential for us as an institution to adapt and progress in response to the hardships we’ve faced.” He continued, “I believe our community of parents and students understand that mental health and emotional struggles are not exclusive to Harvard-Westlake, but are widespread challenges facing adolescents nationwide.” He further added, “We are going through immense grief that stems from a larger issue, which compels us to confront it head-on rather than turning away. We must adapt as we reflect on those who have passed.

The implication was clear: This issue transcends Harvard-Westlake. Following the parent’s suicide a few days later, the U.S. Surgeon General labeled the situation as an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. As summer approached, everyone held out hope that the tragedies had passed. However, what many may not have been aware of was that, according to researchers, school breaks can be especially risky periods for children who are struggling emotionally.

On the 30th of June, roughly three weeks into summer vacation, a 16-year-old student tragically ended his life. The profound and incomprehensible grief we are feeling is palpable, as expressed on a tribute webpage by his parents. They revealed that their son, who was preparing to volunteer for a teen mental health hotline, had previously discussed experiencing difficulties, and his compassionate nature made him feel emotional turmoil with equal intensity.

Now, the school appears to recognize the potential for contagion, which refers to the influence of one person’s suicide or suicidal behavior on others, prompting them to consider self-harm. The counseling team advises parents: “Although those who knew the student are more at risk, it is crucial to understand that anyone affected by this suicide might be at a higher risk of displaying suicidal tendencies.

***

Approximately four decades ago, a cover story in “People” magazine asked: “Why are our young ones taking their own lives?” This issue remains pertinent today. Over the period between 2000 and 2022, suicide rates in the broader population rose by 37%. For those aged 10 to 14, the rate tripled from 2007 to 2018 and has largely remained stable since then. For 15-to-19-year-olds, there was a 57% increase from 2009 to 2017 before it leveled off. Christine Yu Moutier, the chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, expressed concern about this trend when viewed over several years.

Moutier suggests that several factors contribute to the increase in mental health issues among young people, including social media, discriminatory laws against transgender individuals, hate crimes, racial discrimination, and marginalization. Another significant factor is the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for students to frequently switch between in-person and online learning. Moutier explains that these young people have experienced numerous transitions, many of which align with their psychological developmental milestones, as a possible explanation for this trend.

As a devoted fan of education and learning, I found myself, like countless others, adjusting to an online-only learning environment at Harvard-Westlake in the spring of 2020 due to the pandemic. We transitioned to a hybrid model before finally returning to full in-person classes in fall 2022. The concerning trend of deteriorating student mental health during this pandemic period has been highlighted by experts. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association collectively declared a national emergency in children’s mental health in 2021. The American Medical Association followed suit in June 2023.

Academic pressure can be a significant source of stress for many young people. In 2018, researchers from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that while factors like poverty, trauma, and discrimination contribute to stress, so does an unreasonable expectation to excel. This phenomenon has been observed by Ned Johnson, a well-known tutor in the Washington area, who notes that parents, wanting to shield their children from hardships such as poverty, trauma, and discrimination, often send them to private schools. However, these protected environments can sometimes lead to an overwhelming sense of pressure to perform academically, with one student Johnson knew even vomiting daily due to anxiety.

Helena Hsu, a clinical psychologist at Stanford, whose resources were shared by counselors from Harvard-Westlake following the suicides, notes that it’s not just about “tiger parents” causing this issue, but rather these high-pressure environments seem to have an unusually high number of such tragedies. She clarifies that while poverty can be a risk factor for suicide, these cases are different because they typically involve families with indications of good health. This fact makes the incidents even more shocking to people.

In an environment like a school, there can be a ripple effect. Julie Cerel, a professor and director of the Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab at the University of Kentucky, found that for each person who died by suicide, 135 people were exposed. “When a suicide happens in a school, for example, every kid in that school knows the child that has taken their life, and there’s some degree of impact,” she says. While deaths in a cluster — defined as suicides, suicide attempts or self-harm events that occur more in a time and space than would be expected — account for just 1 percent to 5 percent of all suicides, they can be particularly devastating.

It’s essential to understand that suicide isn’t like catching the flu from someone else. Approximately half of individuals who take their own lives have an underlying mental health issue. Many exhibit warning signs such as expressing a desire to die, feeling hopeless, abusing substances, isolating themselves or withdrawing. However, it’s important to note that “contagion” refers mainly to those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. Witnessing a peer’s suicide can increase the risk, but remember, suicide doesn’t typically occur due to one risk factor alone.

According to Scott Poland, professor and co-director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University, it’s not only close friends who might be susceptible to suicide contagion; rather, it’s often other students who have previously contemplated suicide. Such potential school suicide outbreaks occasionally make news, as seen in Palo Alto and Colorado Springs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may investigate these potential clusters, though they haven’t probed one at Harvard-Westlake specifically. Balancing the act of remembering a student without triggering contagion can be challenging, as Moutier points out, “It’s very, very tricky.

***

During the summer of 2023, the Harvard-Westlake administration brainstormed about potential actions to take, as a simple solution like using chalk and puppies wouldn’t suffice. Thus, administrators, counselors, and student representatives collaboratively developed a strategy. Students convened numerous times over Zoom, exchanging their ideas with the adults for further discussion.

Previously, the current school president had encountered a tragic incident involving suicide. During his tenure as headmaster at Groton School in Massachusetts in 2010, a student ended his life following allegations that he was pressured to withdraw or face expulsion for bullying a fellow student. This event garnered significant local attention. More recently, in 2020, Hollywood producer and investor Steve Bing also took his own life. Bing was an alumnus of the school and the son of a trustee at Harvard-Westlake School, whose name graces the performing arts center at their middle school.

On August 1st, 2023, the school unveiled the outcomes of their summer sessions in an eight-page document titled “Wellness Plan.” This plan proposed several initiatives: constructing a wellness center, recruiting a Wellness Director who would also be required to undergo suicide prevention training; providing gatekeeper training for teachers, staff, and students; offering suicide prevention training for parents; and reevaluating academic guidelines. Additionally, the school planned to assign every upper-school student with a counselor.

Previously, at my school, the wellness initiative predominantly revolved around a long-standing program known as Peer Support. From 10th grade onwards, we had the opportunity to extend our day once a week for communal meals and discussions about personal issues in groups led by fellow students. As per Siegel, the former school psychologist, it was typical for several hundred upper schoolers to take part. She acknowledges that every school faces challenges, but she felt that we were generally aware of the school’s emotional landscape. However, Julian Andreone, who graduated in 2022, reflects critically on this program. He describes it as an unusual setup where students with no professional counseling experience or training in dealing with traumatic issues are tasked with comforting their peers and offering guidance when possible.

The school took several actions in line with the recommendations, such as providing gatekeeper training and counseling. However, the guidelines advise against holding assemblies. Stanford’s Hsu points out that schools can send conflicting messages when they encourage students to prioritize sleep and mindfulness while simultaneously assigning excessive amounts of homework, keeping them up late at night. “I’ve been in high schools where they talk about caring for student wellness,” says Hsu, “but then they also boast about a student’s big achievement in the same newsletter.

It appears a student, perhaps a junior, expressed something akin to this in the publication known as The Chronicle. They penned that additional wellness initiatives only amplified the existing pressure. The student explained, “Students’ schedules are already crammed with exams, assignments, tasks outside of class, and extracurricular activities, leaving scarce moments to attend to mental health.” Instead of perceiving the school’s new strategy as supportive, students have encountered a barrage of well-meaning yet frequently excessive measures that have exacerbated their stress rather than lessening it.

The elderly individual who conversed with THR shares that he collaborated with advisors in establishing a mental health support group. “They genuinely cared and genuinely wanted to provide assistance,” he explains. “However, the core reality is that they’re not teenagers. They don’t fully grasp the challenges we face because they never encountered these issues while maturing.

Peace reigned for a year, until June 2024 saw the arrival of our new wellness director. The new academic year commenced, and an email from the school announced, “A Fresh Start, A New Era.” On September 29th, students participated in a 5km walk as a tribute to their deceased classmates. As one senior expressed to The Chronicle, “This is a wonderful way to keep their memory alive.” I’ve personally found a renewed sense of hope regarding our efforts in preventing suicide.

Less than three weeks later, the ninth grader took his life.

***

In every respect, the ninth grader was an extraordinary and cherished individual. Occasionally, he donned unconventional outfits such as kilts, ghillie suits, vibrant red capes, and even a 10-gallon hat. He was renowned at camp and helmed Harvard-Westlake’s flight club, where he piloted a drone while wearing special goggles that provided him with the drone’s live camera feed.

During a memorial service, Rabbi Sharon Brous – who is part of IKAR, a forward-thinking Los Angeles congregation that the student’s family was associated with (she even delivered the invocation at the Democratic National Convention in August) – seemed to speak to both the shared sense of anxiety and the potential for this feeling to bring about more destruction.

She stated, “I understand that there are individuals here today who might feel confined within that dark enclosure you’re in. It may seem unbreakable at times, but more often than not, it can be shattered. Love, companionship, and a subtle nudge reminding you of the daily advancements – new treatments, medications, strategies – can help pierce that darkness. Every day, there’s something worth living for.

Upon the tragic event, I, as a concerned gamer, encourage anyone who knows someone going through tough times to reach out to a trusted adult, even though I understand that adults may be struggling too. In our school’s student-led news magazine, we’ve provided crisis hotlines and other helpful resources during this coverage. Unlike before, there won’t be a gathering at the assembly this time.

A representative from Harvard-Westlake School has declined interview requests from THR for this report, but issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the recent passing of one of their students. They are taking all necessary steps to help their school community cope with this heartbreaking loss. During this time of grief, they kindly ask for privacy for themselves and the student’s family.

Some believe that the school is doing its utmost in a challenging predicament, given the complex factors beyond its control during regular operating hours. As the present senior puts it, “There’s so much going on beyond 8 am to 3 pm that we have no power over.” However, some are more critical of the school, as Andreone, a recent alumnus, points out, “The way you handle one suicide impacts the prevention of subsequent suicides.” Additionally, several families have withdrawn applications from Harvard-Westlake not due to the suicides but because of how the school managed these incidents.

The school is making some adjustments; they’ve decided to phase out Advanced Placement courses due to student stress levels. Similar changes have been made at other independent schools, but students are worried about how this will affect college applications. For the next two years, efforts to address these changes will be ongoing, as advised by Katie Hurley from the Jed Foundation, an organization focused on youth suicide prevention and currently involved in work at Harvard-Westlake. Hurley emphasized via email that such change processes can be challenging and time-consuming, stating, “Losing someone to suicide is a traumatic experience for any community, especially when multiple losses occur. Careful evaluation and strategic planning are crucial to help heal and progress.

Susan Turner Jones, who has taught at several L.A. private schools including Harvard-Westlake, notes that tragic events might occur in affluent private schools where students often find themselves independent for extended periods than ideal. She lost a brother to suicide long ago. Jones emphasizes the significance of students comprehending that their actions, if they were to take such extreme steps, would leave an eternal mark as pain in the hearts of those who cherish them, forever.

There’s a reason to feel hopeful as we observe a trend. Over the past few years, youth and young adult suicide rates have been on a decline, albeit tentatively based on preliminary data. As Moutier points out, “There are indeed signs that hint at improvement.

For the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988.

These families typically show signs that we usually connect with excellent health. It’s quite surprising for many when they realize this isn’t always the case. – Helen Hsu, psychologist

It’s quite unusual for inexperienced students to be asked to comfort their peers dealing with traumatic situations, offer guidance, and help them heal emotionally. This was pointed out by a former student from Harvard-Westlake.

This story appeared in the Dec. 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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2024-12-16 17:27