Free Schools for Troubled Kids
Sometimes, in order to really thrive, at-risk teenagers may need to find an environment outside the family home. They may benefit from a structured environment controlled by professional counselors and educators who specialize in troubled teens. If you feel your teenager might be one of these, you should explore the programs offered by some of the nation’s free schools for troubled kids.
For example, Cal Farley’s of Amarillo, Texas, is one of “America’s largest privately-funded child and family service providers specializing in both residential and community-based services at no cost to the families….” (1)
Cal Farley’s offers separate residential programs for boys and girls, in a western ranch-style setting. Though they specialize in helping troubled youth, they do require that prospective students meet certain standards. These standards are typical of all schools of this type, and are put in place to ensure safety and promote the growth of all the students. Thus, Cal Farley’s schools will not accept candidates who are “sexually predatory, accused/charged with sexual offense … homicidal/making terroristic threats … [or are] actively suicidal.” (2)
On the other hand, the kinds of problems that are appropriate for free schools for troubled kids include “Family discord … school problems (not on grade level, struggling academically, not performing to potential, behavioral issues in the classroom resulting in in-school or out-of-school suspension) … verbal aggression and minor physical aggression … anger and defiance… experimenting with alcohol/drugs … [and] sneaking out of home, running away for short periods of time.”(3)
Another example is the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Estes Park, Colorado. According to its mission statement, the Eagle Rock School teaches kids how to “live in respectful harmony with others … develop mind, body, and spirit … communicate in speech and writing … [and] serve the Eagle Rock and other communities….”(4) among many other personal development principles that help children with behavioral or attitude problems learn to interact, focus and succeed.
If you would like more information on free schools for troubled kids, please visit:
Endnotes
- “About Us.” Cal Farley’s. 2012. Retr. 15 Mar. 2012 <http://calfarley.org/about/Pages/default.aspx>
- “Child Profile FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).” Cal Farley’s. 2012. Retr. 15 Mar. 2012 <http://calfarley.org/admissions/Pages/ChildProfileFAQs.aspx>
- “Mission and Philosophy.” Eagle Rock Schools. 2012. Retr. 15 Mar. 2012 <http://www.eaglerockschool.org/about_us/mission.aspx>