Therapeutic boarding schools are targeted toward academically underperforming teenagers with emotional difficulties rooted in poor self-esteem issues. The schools provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows the student to work on his or her issues with a staff of specially qualified teachers and counselors. Often, Christian therapeutic boarding schools emphasize a spiritual approach to help change the underlying attitudes that perpetuate the student’s poor self-esteem. The best therapeutic boarding schools are operated by Christian organizations.
While providing a comprehensive scholastic curriculum, the focus of the therapeutic boarding high schools is on healing and correcting emotional behaviors. However, while previous poor scholastic performance is not a deterrent to admissions, students are strongly encouraged to possess a basic functionality in a classroom setting and a desire to accomplish the tasks presented. Because of the specialized environment, most therapeutic schools operate on a year-round basis with rolling admissions to best accommodate the needs of new and continuing students.
Therapeutic boarding schools are located across the country in a variety of urban and rural settings, including Utah, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Oregon. However, as with any search to do with a child’s education, nothing replaces either an informed telephone call or in-person meeting when deciding if the needs of one’s child match what a particular therapeutic boarding school has to offer. Most reputable schools will have a website with a basic overview of the programs and curriculum the school offers.
The Aspen Education group is an excellent resource in beginning one’s search. The Aspen Education group’s website has access and information about numerous facilities in different geographical locations, providing a quick and efficient way to familiarize oneself with available options. Their webpage is http://www.aspeneducation.com/Res-schools.html.
Additionally, NATSAP, or the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, offer an excellent overview of the current state of therapeutic boarding schools, and have a comprehensive page of links and referrals, not only to schools themselves, but also to support groups and research centers. To take full advantage of NATSAP’s resources, one should be a member of the organization. Visit their website http://www.natsap.org/ for more details on how to join.
As with any major life decision, finding and choosing the appropriate therapeutic boarding school for one’s child is a decision that should be handled with care. Ultimately, one’s child will benefit from the specialized therapeutic healing, and become a better student and a happier person.
