Abundant Life Academy
We trusted the school based on conversations with counselors. There was a significant disconnect in our conversations and the realities of the school.
There are key questions to ask when dealing with a "Therapeutic School": How many full time licensed therapists do you have on staff; How much time do they spend with the students; What are the milestones and when should they occur; What is the schools association with local MD's; Can the school get appointments with the local MD's; who owns the school; What other schools, programs, services, websites, publishing companies are owned either directly or indirectly; What is staff turnover, what are the staff credentials; What is the State definition of "Therapeutic School"; what other schools or programs have the owner(s) or those running the school are or were associated with; why did the corporate name change; have there been complaints or legal actions against the school or the key personnel. How many students leave the program early over the last 12 months; why did they leave. Describe the payment process.
How do you talk to a counselor about the program - is it through an 800 Number or a local number, are the representatives agents or employees of the school, are the counselors local to the school or spread out across the country.
All of these are critical topics and questions that any caring parent should understand. Many comments, review sites, and websites are owned by a small group of individuals who run multiple schools and programs.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Jan 24, 2013
Abundant Life Academy
Melindan: We were so happy with ALA. Not knowing much about this school program, we trusted those other parents who had sent their children here and we are so glad we did. The staff is wonderful and helped our daughter to a very close relationship with Jesus and with us. We highly recommend ALA, it's the best school of it's kind, in our book!
Submitted
by a Parent
on Nov 26, 2012
Abundant Life Academy
Abundant Life Academy, which is now in St. George, not Kanab, is doing wonderful things for the kids. We have heard from multiple parents who say the staff at the school changed the kids' lives. They truly focus on a Christ-centered approach and lean on the Lord to change the lives of the kids!
Submitted
on Oct 16, 2012
Abundant Life Academy
For us Abundant Life academy was the obvious choice! our daughter was on the edge, she could become a wonderful young lady, making great choices and keeping us proud on every level, or she could go in the other direction completely! She had some questionable friends and influences, but we knew we had done our best to raise her right. Abundant Life Academy has the recourses to give her a great education, but help us keep and eye on her, just in case she needed therapy and help. Their counselors encouraged her in the right direction and she is blossoming into a wonderful young woman! Abundant Life academy wasn't just the obvious choice it was the right choice!
Submitted
by a Parent
on Oct 11, 2012
Abundant Life Academy
samanthar4335: I searched long and hard for something in our own city to help our daughter, because I couldn’t bear the thought of sending her away. But when I found Abundant Life Academy, I realized that the care they offered was more important than my need to hang on to her. Now I can see that the distance is the best possible choice. She has a brand new set of friends, free from the pressures of the kids at school here at home. God is giving her a fresh start. He is the God of second chances, after all.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Sep 27, 2012
Abundant Life Academy
Scott S.: This school has been helping teens for many years. The Christ centered approach that they use is very effective in turning teens around from a former destructive lifestyle. I personally know parents that had their teen here and the school proved itself true. Many teens that our out of control will not learn how to properly function in society without intervention like Abundant Life Academy. If you are having problems with your teen, their staff can give you expert advice and see if the program is right for your teen.
Submitted
on Feb 25, 2012
Abundant Life Academy
Pat Dixon: This school is one of the best examples of safe, kind place where teens learn that they are loved, accepted and believed in. Sarcasm and 'put downs' don't exist. While working on their academics, these kids live their life skill training every single day. They learn to help each other and their community while they discover their lives have meaning and value. Walking through consequences for their choices, knowing they are not rejected, unloved or being made fun of builds thier character and their faith.
Submitted
on Sep 7, 2011
Abundant Life Academy
Frank Maguire: I am a writer/journalist and am always skeptical until I discover the actualities. From what I have seen over the past few months I wish the majority of American students were as fortunate as those who are "enrolled" at ALA.
The ALA folk don't just fly in the dark with abstraction and theory, they have created a system that is proven to be productive. And, they are often working with students who have been declared "problems" by our public schools who allege to not have the resources for dealing with exceptional students.
When the public schools fail young persons and are criticized they usually self-justify with "well, it's our demographic...we have to deal with tough cases." I've heard that tune all my life and my own experience is that such excuses are specious.
Skeptical? Definitely don't rely on my opinion. See for yourself. I add a disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with ALA other than that I have a wonderful grandson who is now benefitting from his study at ALA.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Apr 18, 2011
Abundant Life Academy
Incredible experience for kids who have struggled to mature. I struggled to accept my parents guidance. I rebelled against everyone. I had trouble with lying, and chose the wrong friends. Abundant Life helped me to realize that I didnt need others to hold me accountable, and that I was responsible for my own choices. Some kids just didnt get it. Some kids are so immature that they didnt take advantage of what ALA offered. But for me, I finally saw that the consequences that I had to face wasnt anyone elses issue, but mine. Once I realized that, I began to make better choices, and Im doing quite well. Thanks ALA
Submitted
by a Current Student
on May 7, 2009
