Types of Schools for Troubled Teens
It can be difficult on all family members to have a teen move to
a boarding facility. As a result, many parents choose to take
their troubled teen to an alternative school. In these day
schools, the troubled teen stays in a highly structured school
during the day and then returns home at night. This may be a
viable alternative for teens who are just beginning to spiral,
but alternative day schools are not appropriate for teens who
have serious behavioral problems that are exacerbated by
relationships with peers. Often, these teens will make progress
during the day but slide back into negative behaviors when they
visit with friends in the evenings.
Because of this, many parents find that specialty boarding
schools are a better option. There are many types of specialty
boarding schools available, including Christian, military, and
therapeutic boarding schools.
Regardless of the type, all specialty boarding schools are
highly structured facilities designed to help troubled teens who
are struggling with serious issues and who need round-the-clock
supervision. An average stay of three to six months, or even a
year or more, is not uncommon to ensure a lasting change in
behavior. Specialty boarding schools typically offer a variety
of programs to help troubled teens, including academics,
athletics, personal development courses, emotional growth
sessions, and daily responsibilities and duties.
Christian boarding schools address the needs of troubled teens
using a Christian-based philosophy. There are also boarding
schools that are do not identify themselves as Christian but
still utilize the underlying values and principles of
Judeo-Christian religions such as respect, honesty, hard work to
help troubled teens.
While military schools can help teens with mild problems or who
need more discipline and structure, they are not designed to
provide help with serious problems. In fact, attending military
school is often considered a privilege, and students are usually
required to have good grades and references before they will be
admitted. Even if a troubled teen is admitted, they typically
fail to give him or her useful tools for change and emotional
growth.
Therapeutic boarding schools and treatment programs are
recommended for troubled teens who are considered extreme cases
where therapy is needed. These schools can cost more, but
because they provided structure with a therapeutic component,
including group sessions, individual therapy sessions, or a
combination of both, the results are usually better over time.