There are a variety of options concerning types and standards of boarding schools. While the traditional boarding school throughout history has often been associated primarily with academics and social standing, many boarding schools today are geared towards dealing with troubled or challenged teenagers, while still providing an academic standard. There are also a number of alternatives to boarding schools that are short-term, structured programs focused on assisting teenagers in dealing with emotional or psychological problems in an active, sometimes intense nature.
•Military Schools or Academies
Military schools or academies provide military training and academics in a well-structured and traditional environment. A military school will provide teenagers with military values and standards, as well as excellent opportunities for military jobs or careers. While a military school can provide a structured and stable environment, teaching excellent moral standards and values, they are not designed or equipped to deal with learning disabilities or behavioral and emotional problems. Many military schools will not accept a student who does not agree to join the school, and may dismiss or expel a student based on bad behavior.
•Christian Boarding Schools
Based on strong moral and ethical values, Christian boarding schools offer faith-based programs focused on the basics of Christianity. These schools offer a structured environment, teaching responsibility and values, as well as offering methods of dealing with emotional or psychological issues in a positive, encouraging manner.
•Substance Abuse Boarding Schools
These schools offer a strong academic background while providing treatment and counseling for drug or alcohol abuse in teenagers. Therapists and counselors in these schools are highly trained in dealing with substance abuse in adolescents. 12 step programs are often implemented to help the students in achieving sobriety.
•Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Therapeutic boarding schools are designed for teenagers whose behavior may result from emotional issues. These schools are equipped to work with teenagers to help improve self-esteem and change negative behavior. They offer guidance for social, physical, or emotional problems or disabilities while providing a rich educational background.
Alternatives to Boarding Schools
•Boot Camp
Boot Camps are designed after military training programs but should not be confused with a military school. Students cannot leave until the program is completed and no contact with the world outside of the camp is permitted.
•Wilderness Therapy Programs
An intense, adventurous alternative to boot camps, wilderness programs may be better suited to the teen with emotional issues. A wilderness therapy program is a short-term therapeutic outdoor program designed to deal and work with behavioral or emotional issues. Group participation and working with peers is highly stressed in these programs.
Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!,
It is the coolest site, keep so!,
Nice overview of some of the options available to those who have troubled teens in their lives.