This type of alternative boarding school, such as Aspen Achievement Academy in Utah, is designed for outdoor living. The residents often live outside in tents; they learn to adapt to nature and become self-sufficient. The students might participate in activities such as kayaking, mountaineering, rock climbing or mountain biking. The purpose of incorporating these recreations is to use them as vehicles for teaching the girls coping skills.
Ranch schools are centered on hard work and dedication. Students learn that rewards are a result of effort rather than entitlement. At many of the schools the girls have the responsibility of taking care of a horse, such as at Falcon Ridge Ranch Academy in Utah. The horses help them to learn unconditional love. Along with academics, part of the daily routine includes doing chores on the ranch --- even bringing in cattle in some settings. Teamwork and cooperation are emphasized.
These schools, such as the Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge in Georgia, use outdoor activities in conjunction with academic lessons. Students hike, canoe, camp and visit museums. Many of the girls suffer from depression, substance abuse or family conflict, and the outdoor experiences help them to grow and communicate.
Many young women have negative body issues, eating disorders and difficulty recognizing sexual boundaries. Some schools, such as the Fulshear Ranch Academy in Texas, take a holistic approach. The focus is on health and wellness; students are encouraged to realize their individual talents and take them to the next level. The methodology centers on self-discovery; life skills and career training are emphasized.
Girls who are pregnant or have given birth can benefit from small residential programs like the one at the Florence Crittenton Center for Pregnant and Parenting Teens in Montana. The girls there have often suffered some type of loss or trauma; the staff supports them as they face changes to their lifestyle. Physical and emotional issues are tackled, and the girls attend parenting classes and receive education regarding adoption. The philosophy is that theyy are guided as they set their life goals.