MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Experts say mental health struggles in teens are at record levels, which is why officials at the Pace Center for Girls in Manatee County say they are expanding — building a $6.5 million school that will allow a 16% increase in attendance.

Executive director Amy Wickmavis said the goal is to cater to more families in Manatee County.

"We’ve seen an increased need for counseling services in girls, particularly after the pandemic," Wickmavis said. "Our children were isolated — they did not have the social interaction they had at school."

Ailish Hamilton says her GPA, and mental health, have improved since she transferred from public school to the Pace Center last year.

“It makes me feel accomplished," the 15-year-old said.

Hamilton suffers from depression and anxiety, and missed four months of school in 2023 while dealing with mental health issues. She said the Pace Center has helped her get back on track.

“A lot of the work is easy to understand, and there are a lot of people here to help you," she said.

Hamilton said mental health condition was so severe that she had to be hospitalized, and when she was released, her family decided to enroll her in the school.

“Being here, getting to talk to people, I get to refresh, and when I'm tired or dead asleep, I get to refresh in Catalyna's office or the nurse," she said.

Pace Center for Girls caters to sixth to 12th grade students who are behind in school or are dealing with issues at home. School leaders say 91% of the students have a history of family conflict, and 49% have mental health issues.

But they say the school helps through weekly counseling sessions with the student and their family.

Hamilton said attending these sessions has helped her in school.

“It helps me relieve stress," she said. "Just talking to somebody and being able to relax."

Students also get rewarded for positive actions, like participating in class or handing in assignments.

“It's rewarding," Hamilton said. "You can set up goals with your counselor, then you get to pick out something." 

She said the Pace Center is a better environment for her because she's able to socialize more.

“I like lunch because I get to talk to people," she said.

Hamilton said she's taking things one step at a time, and appreciates knowing that a support system is always by her side.

School officials say construction on the new school will start in July.