Is your teen struggling in their regular school? Does your teen often miss classes, forget homework, or avoid social interaction at school? Academic challenges are a sign of something troubling your teen. As a parent, seeing them struggle can be heartbreaking.
That's where therapeutic boarding schools come in. These schools offer your troubled teen an alternative to regular schools. They are where a structured and supportive environment exists to help your teen overcome their struggles and thrive.
Let's explore what therapeutic boarding schools are and how they can benefit your teen.
Getting to Know Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Perhaps you've never heard of therapeutic boarding schools before. Now, you're wondering: what are they? Check out the following Q&A.What are therapeutic boarding schools?
It's a school that combines education with therapy to help teens address behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges.Who goes there?
Students who go to these schools often have difficulty thriving in traditional school settings or at home despite interventions like therapy or tutoring. They may also have behavioral issues, mental health conditions, a history of substance abuse, or involvement in cases like cyberbullying.Do students live at the school?
Yes, students live on campus at therapeutic boarding schools. This full-time residential program helps remove distractions and negative influences from their daily lives so they can focus on personal growth. Living at school also fosters a sense of community, which can benefit healing. However, most programs do include scheduled visits, phone calls, or family therapy sessions so that parents can be actively involved in their teens' progress.Who teaches at this type of school?
A team of professionals specially trained to work with teens facing emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges work here. A therapeutic boarding school usually employs certified teachers, licensed therapists and counselors, behavioral specialists, medical staff, life skills coaches and mentors, and support staff.What do the students learn in this therapeutic school?
Many therapeutic boarding schools also offer the same academic programs as traditional schools, but with tailored support to meet the teens' unique needs. Class sizes are smaller with individualized learning plans and integrated therapy sessions. The environment aims to create a nurturing and safe space for troubled teens.Major Benefits for Troubled Teens
Therapeutic boarding schools have significant benefits for troubled teens who are struggling at traditional schools. Their main benefits include:- A structured environment with expert support: The highly structured environment at therapeutic boarding schools helps teens establish healthy routines. They can build discipline and feel more secure. The team of expert staff that the schools employ are always ready to give the support your troubled teen needs.
- Focus on emotional and behavioral growth: These schools are equipped to address a wide range of issues, from anxiety to ADHD. Through therapy sessions, group activities, and a solid peer community, students learn to manage their emotions, improve their behavior, and develop coping skills.
- Personalized setting for academic success: Therapeutic boarding schools don't just grade students' homework and assignments blindly. They offer personalized academic plans to accommodate different learning paces and styles. The students can catch up academically while rediscovering a love for learning.
Is a Therapeutic Boarding School Right for Your Teen?
If your teen is:- Struggling with persistent behavioral issues;
- Falling behind in school; or
- Showing signs of emotional distress despite other interventions
- Research the schools first; get their brochures and visit their websites
- Speak with the school's staff and ask them any questions you have
- Visit the campus, if possible
- Always involve your teen in the decision-making process to make them feel supported and understood
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