Boarding Schools for "Emotional Growth" or "Troubled Teens"
Some boarding schools are designed for "troubled teens" or teens who need "emotional growth." These two terms cover a variety of problems including lack of motivation, lack of focus, underachievement and low self-esteem. "Troubled teens" may be acting defiant, manipulative or abusive at home or at school but yet not have a psychiatric diagnosis like "oppositional defiant disorder." They may be running with the wrong crowd. They may lack empathy for their family members, and appear self-centered and/or manipulative. Usually such teens are having problems in all three of the main areas of their lives: family, school, and peers.
Some of these teens may indeed have psychiatric problems or substance abuse issues that require medical intervention. However, many troubled teens can benefit from a new environment with logical and consistent rules and a clear structure to each day as provided by boarding schools for "emotional growth" or "troubled teens." The typical length of stay at an emotional growth school is one to two years.
Another alternative to help a troubled teen develop a more positive attitude is a short-term wilderness program. These programs last only a few months, and students spend their days camping and hiking with trained therapists. Some boarding schools for emotional growth even have wilderness components.
PROS
A good boarding school has an intensive admittance process to diagnose not only emotional and psychological problems but also academic issues such as learning disorders. Once these issues are addressed, a student may enjoy learning for the first time. The structure and location of the school often eliminates opportunities for students to get into trouble in the "outside world."
A good school has superior teachers and professional licensed counselors who work on an individual as well as group basis with students and their parents.
There will be room for outdoor recreation, field trips, and opportunities to explore new interests such as photography, sports and music. Sometimes a teen can develop a new lease on life if he develops a new interest or passion.
CONS
Boarding schools are expensive, although some offer financial aid.
At some schools, "counselors" are unlicensed and untrained, and academics are mediocre. Check out the staff and the caliber of students who gain admittance. Confirm with any accrediting bodies that the school's accreditation is in place and that your child can transfer school credits to their home school.
