What School Would Be Good For Troubled Teens?

Your teen’s current school and living situation aren’t working out right now. Perhaps your teen is being bullied at school? It could be that he’s getting into trouble and running away from home.

How can you help your troubled teen get his life and education back on track? Knowing which option would work well to meet the needs of your teen and your family can help you to make the best decision.

The trouble facing your teen

How do you define a troubled teen? Everyone knows that the teen years are filled with changes for the teen and those around him. Troubling behavior is that which deviates from the expected teen behavior.

• Your teen may get angry, aggressive, and even violent toward their family and friends.
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns may make themselves known.
• Skipping school, slipping grades, and getting into trouble at school often indicate something is amiss with your teen.
• Drug and alcohol use that leans to being substance abuse can become a scary sign that your teen is struggling.
• Changes in how a teen dresses, and behaves and the people they spend time with can be troubling, particularly if he is now getting into trouble with law enforcement.
• Ignoring and skipping curfew or perhaps not coming home is a sign of a problem.

Some troubled teens struggle with their mental health almost exclusively, to the point where they are saying harsh things about themselves and may even self-harm or speak of not wanting to exist any longer. You know your teen and how to identify when something drastic has changed with his behavior.

How do you decide on a school?

Once you’ve decided to send him to a different school, how do you narrow down your options? It can feel overwhelming when you see that there are so many kinds of schools, each offering something different. Many will offer similar programs and even include a lot of time spent with nature, but there are critical differences between them for parents to be aware of.

When looking for a school for troubled teens, consider some of the following factors.

• The location of the school. It’s tempting to opt for a school that’s a short drive away, but this may not give you the options for schools that can meet each of his needs.
• What qualifications do educators and mental and medical professionals have? Does the school have strict licensing requirements in place?
• What kind of academic support will the school provide your teen? Does it align with his education goals?
• Does the school offer constant supervision for troubled teens?
• What kind of therapy is offered? Individual, group, family? All?
• Do the treatment programs lean toward being a one-size solution, or can they be adapted and adjusted to meet the needs of the individual?
• Will the school offer other activities that your teen can enjoy? Such as sports, art, hiking, and more?

Be confident in asking the questions that you have on your mind. If a school is unwilling to discuss these questions and concerns, it might indicate that it’s not the right choice for your teen.

What sets Liahona Academy apart?

Liahona Academy is a good option for parents looking to get their troubled teens the help they need. We offer a safe and structured environment that allows your child to focus on healing and recovering without the negative influences that they may have otherwise faced at home and in their previous school.

The teens who attend Liahona Academy get the therapy they need, learn how to handle conflict, grow in confidence, and develop healthy coping strategies. They also learn leadership and social skills, improve upon the life skills they need, and, best of all, learn how to establish and maintain healthy relationships with their family and friends.

While some may think of schools like Liahona Academy as the very last resort for a troubled teen, the better way to look at it might be that it’s a fresh start for a teen who is in crisis.

It’s not meant to be used as a way to punish teens or just get them away from their families. It’s meant as that fresh start, a new beginning, and a way to help them learn what they need to be healthy, strong, and confident members of their community.

Liahona Academy is expecting your call if you’re looking for a safe haven where your troubled teen will be supported as he gets the treatment he needs. The sooner your teen gets into the school that will meet his needs, the sooner he’ll be on the path to healing and recovery.