Private schools for troubled teens

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There many private schools in Canada for troubled teens and at-risk youth. These schools provide specialized programs for kids with behavioural and emotional problems, and often support other special needs as well.

Troubled teens

The teenage years are a challenging time. Many kids have plenty of growing pains at home and school during this period.

For some kids, though, adolescence is an especially difficult transition. These troubled teens experience problems that go beyond the normal issues many of their peers face.

Like other teenagers, troubled teens often struggle with relationships at home and at school. But their problems tend to be more intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour.

Troubled teens are thus considered at risk. They often have serious mental health issues, and have (or are at risk of developing) a behavioural or emotional disorder. For instance, they may be dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, an eating disorder, depression, or anxiety.

Troubled teen schools: what they offer

Schools for troubled teens provide a wide range of help and support services. For instance, many offer family and individual counselling, psychotherapy (including cognitive-behavioural therapy), rehabilitation, remediation, and treatment (among other programs).

Schools for problem teenagers provide specialized programs for kids with serious issues. They offer a kind of support that often can’t be found in mainstream education, either in public or private schools. They help teenagers regain stability, confidence, and self-esteem. They can also sometimes restore your child’s love of life and learning.

Troubled teen schools provide support for a wide range of problems (as do troubled teen camps). Their main focus, though, is behavioural and emotional disorders. For instance, many provide focused support for kids with

• Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
• Clinical depression
• Clinical anxiety
• Drug and alcohol problems
• Eating disorders
• Suicidal tendencies
• Criminal behaviour
• Passive-aggressive disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Kleptomania
• Reactive attachment disorder
• Disruptive behaviour disorder
• Dissociative disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Passive-aggressive disorders
• Trichotillomania disorders
• Intermittent explosive disorder

Some schools for troubled teens also support kids with other special needs. This includes learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), developmental disabilities (such as autism, Asperger’s, intellectual disabilities, and Williams syndrome), and physical disabilities (such as blindness, deafness, and dyspraxia). Some of these schools also offer an alternative educational approach (such as Montessori) and support students with advanced learning abilities.

Different types of troubled teen schools and programs

Each school will have its own focus and areas of expertise. Keep this in mind as you’re searching for the right school or program for your troubled teenager or child.

Many troubled teen schools focus on specific kinds of disorders or disabilities. This includes behavioural issues such as ODD and conduct disorder. It also includes emotional and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Boarding schools and residential programs can be a great option for troubled teens. Sometimes referred to as "therapeutic boarding schools," this type of school can provide the kind of environment and support that at-risk youth need.

In 2010, the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs conducted a study showing that teens with emotional and behavioural problems improved after going to one of these schools. Moreover, they maintained a healthy outlook long after they left the school.

Another option for troubled youth is military school, which can instill discipline, structure, and confidence in your child.

There are also teen ranches for troubled teenagers, which provide a therapeutic program for your son or daughter, in a rural setting.

Below, we list private schools for troubled teens in Canada and the US (including boarding schools for troubled teens). This includes schools in Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario. These schools provide specialized programs for kids who struggle and need extra support and help. You can also use our private school search to find a troubled teen school that meets your child’s unique combination of social, emotional, and educational needs.