Cultivating Excellence Podcast Nurturing High Achievers
How do we support bright, capable students without pushing them into burnout?
In this episode of Cultivating Excellence, Susan Holzman, Director of Academic Support at Bullis School, shares her thoughts on today’s high-achieving and exceptional students. Susan explains how the idea of the “smart kid” has changed over time. Today’s exceptional learners are often creative, curious, entrepreneurial, and deeply capable, but many also struggle with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, executive functioning, perfectionism, or other learning differences. She explains why strong schools must offer both challenge and support, especially for students whose abilities vary across different areas.
Susan also speaks candidly about the pressure many high-achieving students face. She highlights the dangers of overscheduling, chronic sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and multitasking, and she emphasizes that success should not come at the cost of joy, health, or emotional well-being. The conversation also explores how parents can set healthier boundaries, when to seek outside support such as executive functioning coaching or therapy, and why foundational skills still matter even for highly advanced learners.
Tune in as Susan shares practical wisdom for helping gifted and twice-exceptional students thrive with both rigor and balance.
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