When parents or guardians face the challenge of managing the behavior of troubled youth, the idea of sending them to a boarding school may come to mind.
However, boarding schools’ high tuition and fees may make this option unaffordable for many families.
The good news is that several free boarding schools are available for troubled youth. Most of them offer a structured and supportive environment for students to thrive.
They offer a structured curriculum, counseling services, and support from trained professionals experienced in dealing with troubled youth.
They also offer vocational and life skills training to prepare students for success after graduation.
This article will examine the top US free boarding schools for troubled youth, their benefits, and admission requirements.
Benefits of Free Boarding Schools for Troubled Youth
Free boarding schools for troubled youth can be an excellent option for families struggling to manage challenging behaviors.
Some of the primary benefits of free boarding schools for troubled youth are;
1. Organized environment
Free boarding schools for troubled teens provide a safe, structured environment to help students overcome challenges.
These schools are staffed by trained professionals experienced in dealing with troubled youth.
They offer various counseling and support services to help students address their behavioral, emotional, and substance abuse issues.
2. Comprehensive curriculum
Free boarding schools for troubled youth offer a comprehensive curriculum to help students succeed academically.
Many of these schools have small classes and provide individualized attention and academic support services to help students achieve their full potential.
3. Vocational and life skills training
Free boarding schools for troubled youth often offer vocational and life skills training that can help students prepare for success after graduation.
Many of these schools partner with local businesses and organizations to provide students hands-on training and real-world experience in agriculture, culinary arts, and automotive technology.
4. Special classes
Many free boarding schools offer classes in financial literacy, job readiness, and other essential life skills that can help students succeed in the future.
5. Student support
Unlike traditional schools, boarding schools for troubled teens and youths offer numerous support services such as family counseling, remediation, behavioral therapy, etc.
6. Reduced Cost
One of the primary benefits of free boarding schools for troubled youth is that they are available at little or no cost to families.
This can be a huge relief for families struggling to manage their children’s behavior or wards and may not have the financial resources to pay for private schools or residential treatment programs.
7. Peer Support
Free boarding schools for troubled youth offer students the opportunity to connect with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges.
This can provide students with a sense of community and support that can be invaluable in helping them overcome their challenges.
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Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment in Free Boarding Schools for Troubled Youth
While free boarding schools for troubled youth can be an excellent option for families who are struggling with managing challenging behaviors, it is essential to note that there may be eligibility criteria for enrollment.
It is essential for families to research the eligibility criteria for each school they are considering and to be honest about their child’s history and needs when applying.
Each school may have its specific requirements, but some standard eligibility criteria may include the following:
Age
Some schools may have a minimum or maximum age requirement for enrollment.
Behavior
Students who have been expelled from other schools or have a history of violent or criminal behavior may not be eligible for enrollment.
Substance Abuse
Some schools may require students to complete a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program before they are eligible for enrollment.
Academic Performance
Many free boarding schools require that students have a certain GPA or level of academic achievement to be eligible for enrollment.
What are the Free Boarding Schools For Troubled Teens and Youths?
1. The Gateway Academy
Located in Illinois, this boarding school offers a free, accredited education and therapeutic program for boys ages 13-17 struggling with behavioral and emotional issues.
Their program includes individual, group, and family therapy, academic support, and life skills training.
2. Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch
It is a top-rated free boarding school for teens and youth, known for its Christ-centered approach to child and family services.
As one of the largest privately-funded schools of its kind, it offers a range of professional programs and services that help to strengthen families and support the overall development of young people.
At Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, students have a safe, structured environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
The school’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to help students succeed academically, with small classes, individualized attention, and various academic support services available.
3. The Bridge School
This boarding school in California provides a free, accredited education and therapeutic program for boys ages 9-17 struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.
Students of this institution receive individual and group therapy, academic support, and life skills training.
4. The Seed School
This boarding school in Maryland offers a free, college-preparatory education and therapeutic program for disadvantaged students in grades 6-12.
Their program includes individual and group counseling, academic support, and extracurricular activities.
5. The Thomas A. Edison Academy
Located in New Jersey, this boarding school provides a free, accredited education and therapeutic program for students in grades 7-12 struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.
Their program includes individual and group therapy, academic support, and life skills training.
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6. Agape boarding school
This school profoundly focuses on each of its students towards achieving academic success. They are dedicated to improving academic, behavioral, and spiritual growth.
It is a non-profit and charitable institution that provides free education for troubled teens and youth.
However, donations mainly realize scholarship funds and are equally distributed to every student to keep the school tuition-free.
7. The Woodhall School
Located in Massachusetts, this boarding school offers free, college-preparatory education and a therapeutic program for boys between the ages of 13 and 18 with learning differences or other challenges.
Their program includes lots of valuable training that will impact students positively.
8. The DeSisto School
Located in Massachusetts, this boarding school provides a free, accredited education and therapeutic program for students in grades 6-12 struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.
Their program includes individual and group therapy, academic support, and life skills training.
9. The Pinnacle School
This boarding school in Connecticut offers a free, accredited education and therapeutic program for students in grades 2-12 with social, emotional, or learning differences.
Their program includes individual and group counseling, academic support, and life skills training.
10. The New York Military Academy
Located in New York, this boarding school provides free education and military-style training for students in grades 6-12 looking forward to a military or law enforcement career.
Their program includes academic support, leadership training, and physical fitness.
11. The Bishop’s School
Located in California, this boarding school offers a free education and therapeutic program for boys ages 14-17 who have been in the juvenile justice system or are at risk of entering it.
12. The Milton Hershey School
Located in Pennsylvania, this boarding school provides a free education and residential program for students in grades K-12 who come from low-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Free Boarding Schools For Troubled Teens
Most military schools in the US offer their programs for free.
The average cost of attending a boarding school in the US is about $53,000 per year.
Another name for boarding school in the US is high school. It begins from 6th through 12th grade.
The Oakdale Christian Academy is one of the cheapest boarding schools in the US.
Conclusion
Free boarding schools for troubled youth can be an excellent option for families struggling with managing their children’s behavior or wards.
These schools provide a supportive and structured environment that can help students overcome their challenges and prepare them for success in the future.
From academic coursework to counseling and vocational training, these schools offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of troubled youth.
Knowing that these schools may not be suitable for everyone is essential.
Some students may not thrive in a structured boarding school environment and require more personalized care.
Additionally, there may be eligibility criteria and waiting lists for enrollment in these schools, so families should plan and be prepared to explore other options if necessary.
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