For teens in crisis, an emotionally supportive environment beyond what a traditional school system can provide is crucial for academic and behavioral success. Liahona Boys Academy is a therapeutic residential boarding school that is structured to support teenage boys who are struggling to thrive emotionally and academically at home and in traditional school settings. At Liahona, teens get the chance to repair lost credit, have one-on-one time with teachers and tutors who are trained in special education and know how to work with troubled teens, address any learning disorders that may be at play, and receive daily professional therapy for emotional and behavioral support.
What Liahona Academy Provides and What You Can Expect
Liahona Boys Academy provides teen boys in crisis with specialized support both academically and emotionally. Academically, you can expect;- One-on-one academic support - In traditional school settings, it can be difficult for teachers to give each student individualized attention and support because they have to oversee an entire classroom. At Liahona, the classroom sizes are small, so the teacher can build rapport with each student individually and get to know their learning style and needs. This then enables the teachers to adapt their teaching techniques so each student gets what they need to truly learn the material and grow academically. Additionally, if a student is having trouble in one particular subject, the tutors at Liahona offer extra support.
- Specialized teachers trained in learning disorders - Oftentimes, students who learn differently than the majority of the classroom can become overlooked and left behind because a traditional teacher does not know how to support learning diversity. At Liahona, the teachers have top training in special education and are experts at working with teens who have not found success in traditional learning environments. ADHD affects up to 10 percent of school-aged kids and although it is not completely understood why, it affects boys more than girls. While ADHD is not curable, it is highly treatable with experiential treatment options. At Liahona, if one method of teaching does not work for a specific student, another method will be used. This helps students feel heard and confident to speak up when they don’t understand the material.
- Credit Repair - If your teen arrives at Liahona with fewer credits than they need to be on track for high school graduation, then they will have the opportunity to catch up and even get ahead. Because each teen comes into Liahona at different academic standings, credit repair plans are created individually and made to fit the needs of each student. Additionally, Liahona provides teens in crisis with a variety of other projects that aid in personal growth.
- Recreation Therapy- Liahona recognizes the value of recreation and understands that it compliments academic support. Teens will have the opportunity to have fun, learn teamwork and bonding, and find new ways to enjoy themselves while gaining self-worth and confidence. The recreation opportunities offered range from team sports and fitness to artistic projects and mindfulness. Liahona recognizes itself as a “hands-on” school, meaning that the majority of what the teens do is full of activity.
- Community Service - Through community service projects such as chores, laundry, and cooking, the teens at Liahona will gain life skills and get the chance to grow up. Each teen will have an outline and clear directions for their daily chores and will be asked to complete them promptly. This teaches healthy discipline, how to meet deadlines, and what it means to live with others and respect the space. They will also cultivate an understanding of personal hygiene, and how taking care of oneself physically compliments emotional growth.
- Life Skills - To prepare teens for real life, Liahona teaches life skills such as budgeting, leadership, effective communication, and more. This way, teens feel prepared and ready to take life head-on once they graduate from the academy. Also, Liahona teaches skills like conflict resolution, critical thinking, and resilience. Studies have shown that these skills can help with suicide prevention and handling overwhelming emotional states.
- Personalized Therapy - In addition to specialized teachers, students will also get one-on-one therapy with trained mental health professionals. This part of the program helps teens in crisis deal with their mental and emotional distress. Oftentimes, the mental and emotional distress that teens feel takes a large toll on their ability to focus in school, and Liahona honors the importance of the teens doing their inner work as well as their external work. There are startling statistics concerning teenage behavior, and Liahona Academy works hard to help teens navigate these issues.
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