Before you shortlist an academy: most parents searching for a military school have a teen it will not help. Why military schools usually backfire for a troubled teen, and who they genuinely fit, plus the alternatives.
Do you need help with your troubled teenager? Are you searching for Military Schools for your defiant teen in Dallas?
The majority of Military Schools are a privilege to attend. You may find a few that will accept your at-risk teen, but keep in mind, they typically have policies in place for behavioral issues that are not much different than the school you are leaving. One difference will be that when (or if) your child is expelled or asked to leave, it is highly probable you will forfeit your tuition.
Military Schools annual fees approximately are $25,000.00 and up. We have heard from many families that have fallen into this trap – and it an expensive mistake to make, but more than that, you are setting your teen up for failure.
Free · No fee to families
Not sure what your teen actually needs?
We’re parent advocates, not a program. Since 2001 we’ve helped families work out which option fits — residential treatment, a therapeutic boarding school, a transitional program, or none of them yet. We’re paid by no one you’re choosing between.
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When you have a teen that is belligerent, underachieving, lacks motivation, has lost interest in their favorite activities, changing friends and becoming secretive or withdrawn, these can be red flags that there is more going on internally (emotionally) than what Military School would be able to provide.
Military Schools do not provide a clinical or emotional growth setting for a teen that is struggling with mental health issues. Â They will not be able to help your son or daughter with the problems that are causing this negative or risky behavior. Or if they are using drugs or drinking at home, it is likely they will continue this behavior at Military School too.
These are open campuses and it’s likely day students will bring in drugs or alcohol. If your teen was using drugs or drinking at home — don’t be naïve to believe they won’t engage in this behavior at a Military campus. Only this time — when they are asked to leave, not only are you left with finding a new school, you will lose your tuition.
Learn more:
Goals of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.
How Bullying Impacts A Teen’s Mental Health.
Is a military school for teens the right choice?
A military school for teens can work for a student who needs structure and is willing to try. It is rarely the answer for a teen in crisis. Private academies often dismiss students who break rules, and families can lose tuition.
Texas families also have a free option: the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. This challenge academy serves teens about 16 to 18 who have dropped out or are falling behind, with a residential phase and a year of mentoring.
If your teen’s behavior comes from depression, trauma, ADHD or substance use, a therapeutic program is usually safer and more effective. To compare options in Dallas, request a free consultation.
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If you have exhausted your local resources for help for your troubled teen, learn more about how residential treatment or a therapeutic boarding school could benefit them. Contact us today.
Weighing up a program? Every program type compared sets out what each one is for, who it suits and what it costs. Therapeutic boarding schools and residential treatment centers go deeper on the two options most families end up choosing between.
