Finding the right ADHD boarding school for your child entails more than just comparing possibilities; it’s about matching the school’s approach to your child’s specific requirements and your family’s long-term objectives. With attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affecting nearly one in every ten children in the United States, many parents are looking into special schools, including ADHD boarding schools, as a high school option.
For students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD boarding schools can provide structured surroundings, therapeutic services, and specialized academic support. Students with ADHD and other learning disabilities, such dyslexia or anxiety, are the target audience for these programs.
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What is known as ADHD?
ADHD, as it is known, is a biological problem that can lead children to behave impulsively, become too energetic, or have difficulty paying attention. Even though ADHD is very treatable, attending a school that doesn’t recognize and accommodate learning differences might make high school difficult.
While many public and private schools provide assistance, some ADHD boarding schools now offer robust programs to support children with ADHD, while others focus exclusively on students with learning disabilities. How can parents choose the best ADHD boarding school for their child?
“You have to start with what your child needs, where your child is going to thrive,” says Myra McGovern, vice president of communication for the National Association of Independent Schools, which represents both boarding and day schools. “There is no ‘simply choose from the top of the list.’ It is about how you feel about the surroundings and how well the school’s services match your requirements.”
What are ADHD Boarding Schools?
ADHD boarding schools are specialized private institutions that offer a disciplined and supportive environment to children with ADHD and other learning disabilities. They provide individualized academic programs, which are frequently combined with therapies and medication management, to help students succeed academically and socially.
What they offer:
- Individualized education: ADHD boarding schools create personalized academic plans to help kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning challenges succeed.
- Therapeutic support: Many schools provide rigorous cognitive behavioral therapy and other interventions to help kids manage their symptoms.
- Structured environment: They provide a structured environment to help students with ADHD stay on track and avoid distractions.
- Medical management: Some schools collaborate with the child’s medical team to ensure that they receive the appropriate medicines and care for their condition.
Benefits of ADHD Boarding Schools
- Personalized Education: Personalized attention is made possible by small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios.
- Development of Self-Advocacy: Students who receive additional academic support are better able to identify and overcome their own obstacles. Students get the ability to express their demands and come up with answers.
- Specialized Personnel: In order to establish a secure learning atmosphere, teachers are trained to comprehend ADHD. For students with ADHD, daily activities are designed to optimize learning.
- Extra Assistance: Counseling, therapy, and medication management are frequently offered.
- Getting Ready for the Future: Helping kids make the transition to mainstream education is the ultimate goal. Students acquire vital life skills, emotional stability, and self-worth.
- High Demand: These schools’ efficiency is demonstrated by their lengthy waiting lists and possible financial aid schemes.
- Overall Effect: The academic achievement and general well-being of a child with ADHD can be greatly enhanced by sending them to a ADHD boarding schools.
Best ADHD Boarding Schools
1. Eagle Hill School:
For kids with a variety of learning characteristics, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, this is a coeducational college preparatory school (grades 8–12). It offers a highly customized education with a flexible nine-term academic year, small classes (averaging five students), lots of extracurricular activities, and an emphasis on fostering independence and self-worth. It is an approved IB World School and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
2. Currey Ingram Academy:
Students with average-to-above-average intellect who have learning disabilities like ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning deficiencies are served by this JK–12 day school with a boarding option for grades 9–12. As one of the top ADHD boarding schools out there, it employs small class sizes (4.5:1 student-to-teacher ratio), evidence-based, multimodal instruction, and on-site support services like occupational therapy and speech/language pathology. With it s committed to achieving a 100% college acceptance rate by empowering students with individualized training and all-encompassing assistance.
3. The Vanguard School:
This is a type of ADHD boarding schools that prepares neurodiverse students (grades 6–12) with high-functioning autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties for independent living and college. Additionally, it places a strong emphasis on small class sizes, individualized learning paths, a secure and organized setting, and teachers who have been educated to employ a variety of techniques to meet the needs of each student. Cognia and the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) have granted it full accreditation.
4. Middlebridge School:
It is a college-prep boarding and day school for adolescents aged 13 to 18 with learning disabilities, such as ADHD, executive dysfunction, and school-related anxiety, and is one of the best ADHD boarding schools available. Additionally, it offers a highly customized education with a staff-to-student ratio of almost 1:1, emphasizing academic achievement, emotional intelligence, and preparation for the real world through college courses and internships.
5. Maplebrook School:
In a highly disciplined and welcoming setting, this ADHD boarding schools serves neurodiverse and complex students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder. With small class sizes (4–8 kids), it offers extensive support services such as occupational therapy, counseling, speech/language therapy, and transition planning. For increased independence, it places a strong emphasis on career growth and everyday living skills.
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
6. New Focus Academy:
Intending to foster independence and positive relationships, this residential support school serves teenagers (ages 12 to 18) with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological difficulties. To assist students in applying skills in real-world situations, the school uses a structured timetable, tailored education plans, one-on-one therapy, life skills training, and experiential therapies like adventure therapy. They employ evidence-based interventions in a strengths-based manner and have Cognia accreditation.
Related: Easiest Boarding Schools To Get Into
7. Resolution Ranch Academy:
For troubled boys (ages 13–17) with behavioral, emotional, and academic issues, such as ADHD, defiance, and anger management, this therapeutic boarding school and residential treatment program is offered. It uses an R.A.N.C.H. program (Recovery and Academics through Nature, Counseling, and Healing), which combines approved academics, individual and group therapy, equine therapy, and character-building ranch tasks on a 500-acre campus.
8. The Devereux Glenholme School:
This is one of the coeducational therapeutic ADHD boarding schools for students aged 10 to 22 who have social, emotional, and learning disabilities such as ASD, ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It provides a comprehensive academic curriculum, clinical treatments utilizing positive behavioral interventions, social skill development, arts, and an equestrian program, all in a supportive, disciplined setting.
9. Academy at SOAR:
This ADHD boarding school is an outdoor adventure-based private boarding school (grades 7-12) that caters to kids with ADHD and other learning disabilities. It runs on a four-week cycle, with two weeks on campus for focused academics and two weeks on adventure adventures (such as rock climbing and camping). This technique allows pupils to develop self-esteem, confidence, and life skills in a less distracting atmosphere.
10. Timothy Hill Academy:
This faith-based, non-profit therapeutic boarding school serves adolescent boys (ages 13-17) who are dealing with emotional trauma, disruptive conduct, family strife, or mental instability, including ADHD and ODD.
The curriculum includes approved academics (via Liberty University Online Academy), trauma-informed treatment (TF-CBT), vocational training (Work Sharp™ program), horse therapy, and spiritual development through daily devotions and chapel services.
FAQ’s
What kinds of accommodations are offered for academic purposes?
Extra time for homework and tests, a calm testing atmosphere, help taking notes, and the use of technology like audio textbooks are examples of accommodations. Some schools can offer official IEP or 504 Plan support, and academic programs are frequently tailored to help kids catch up or stay on track for college.
Is there on-site therapy available?
The majority of therapeutic boarding schools and several specialized ones use professional, certified therapists and clinicians. They usually provide a mix of family, group, and individual treatment to address emotional control, social skills, self-esteem, and academic difficulties.
How much does it cost, and is tuition covered by insurance?
Specialized boarding schools might have extremely expensive tuition. Depending on the quality of services rendered, prices differ significantly. In certain situations, insurance may cover some of the therapeutic component; however, if the public school is unable to provide an appropriate education, parents frequently need to look into options such as educational loans, scholarships, or potential public school tuition reimbursement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Are the staff members and instructors specially trained to work with pupils who have ADHD?
Staff members at reputable schools should have specialized training and expertise working with a variety of learning characteristics, including ADHD. Asking potential schools about the credentials and continuing professional development offered to their residential staff and teachers is important.
Conclusion
For a child with ADHD, selecting the ideal learning environment is an important choice. Specialized or therapeutic ADHD boarding schools offer a multimodal, structured approach that can help kids overcome obstacles and harness their strengths to prosper academically, socially, and emotionally, even though ADHD poses unique challenges.
Families can find a way to assist their kid develop self-confidence and reach their full potential by giving priority to a program that fits their child’s unique requirements, has qualified staff, and offers a caring, consistent atmosphere. One useful tool for this search is the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) directory.