A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Boarding School

Boarding schools are more popular than ever with both teens and their parents. Many of today's teens grew up reading the Harry Potter books and are keen to have a "Hogwarts" experience of their own. More parents are pursuing non-traditional careers that involve travel and long hours at their offices, so boarding schools become an attractive option. Parents also want to give their children an educational advantage when they apply to college.

There are many prestigious college-prep boarding schools that date back to the 19th century which have a history of educating the offspring of famous American families. However, these schools are facing increased competition from specialized college-prep boarding schools. Today, a teen interested in art, drama, or music can find a residential program for performing arts, and so can teens interested in science and technology or careers as military officers. Some of the newer boarding schools are affiliated with specific religions.

Many American children have medical diagnoses such as Asperger's syndrome, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit disorder, anorexia, learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, attachment disorders, obesity, and so forth. These students can attend boarding schools that specialize in treating their specific problem and participate in better, more individualized programs than those offered in most public schools. Often, just a year or two of intensive behavioral training and daily interaction with trained therapists can give a child the edge he needs to succeed in school and in his peer groups. Many of these special boarding schools have equipment designed for children with a particular disorder and teachers trained to help them reach their potential. To find a specialized boarding school, try searching on the Internet under your child's particular disorder.

"Residential treatment center" is another term used for a boarding school designed for teens with psychiatric problems. If your child needs medical supervision, look for a school that has a psychiatrist on call and a staff of licensed therapists. Likewise, if your teen is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you need a boarding school that also functions as a treatment center. Teens with addictions or substance abuse problems need therapy with licensed drug counselors, support meetings, classes teaching new ways of dealing with stress, and follow-up care once they go home.

"Therapeutic" boarding schools, sometimes called "emotional growth" schools, are for teens struggling with any number of psychological problems. Examples include anger management, defiance, underachievement, sexual promiscuity, running away, problems with the law, family and peer conflict, and poor social skills. Usually, if you go on a therapeutic boarding school's Web site and search under "student profile," you can find out if the school addresses your child's specific problem. Many of these schools have excellent reputations and records of long-term success.

The best therapeutic boarding schools have superior academic programs geared toward college preparation. Students study in small-sized classes with teachers who have advanced degrees. Their days are structured to include regular time for tutoring, study, physical exercise, cultural pursuits, and recreation. Some schools have a wilderness component in which students can work with horses and other animals or spend time hiking, swimming, camping, and engaging in other outdoor pursuits.

Fast Facts About Adolescents

Obesity is one of the leading causes of low self-esteem. Among kids 12-19 years old, 17 percent are at risk of being overweight and 17 percent are overweight.

 

Aspen Ranch
Aspen Ranch offer programs for troubled teens at their therapeutic boarding school in Loa, Utah. Through a combination of traditional therapy, equine therapy, and accredited academics, troubled teens and their families get the help they need to work towards healthy, positive relationships. Call 866-858-4883 to learn more about Aspen Ranch.