Charter schools are public schools that the school district doesn't govern. Parents, companies and teachers are some of the people who govern charter schools. Certain charter schools aim their programs toward helping troubled or high-risk teens. Richard Milburn Academy has locations in Bradenton, Daytona Beach, DeLand, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres that focus on helping students with problems succeeding in traditional high schools. If your teen fails courses, gets suspended or has poor attendance, RMA might be the right choice. Mavericks High School has five locations -- Homestead, Fort. Lauderdale, Largo, Kissimmee and Miami. These schools are perfect for teens who are failing or in danger of failing at a traditional school. Mavericks also has continuing support programs to help your child continue his education or start a promising career.
Although Florida has a large number of private schools, the Vanguard School and the Jacob School are two privately funded institutions that focus on students with learning disabilities. The Vanguard School in Lake Wales teaches students older than age 10 who have dyslexia or dyscalculia, Asperger's Syndrome or an attention deficit disorder. However, Vanguard doesn't accept teenagers with behavioral problems. The Jacob School, located in Winter Springs, offers students with ADHD with nontraditional programs. Neither school offers a therapeutic program.
Schools with a religious aspect can be a great help to you, your troubled teen and your family life. Many nonpublic schools have a strong Christian influence that they find beneficial to troubled teens. Teen Challenge International has several locations in Florida, where it separates students based on gender and provided the academic, spiritual and emotional support they need. Bonifay and Vero Beach have programs for boys ages 12 to 17 and Lakeland has a girls' program.
In some cases, your troubled teen needs intensive therapy in addition to a quality education. Florida has some therapeutic programs where your child can learn coping and life skills. La Amistad Behavioral Health program in Maitland treats teenagers with ADHD, bipolar, substance abuse issues, school problems, schizophrenia, anxiety and teens who have suffered abuse. La Amistad offers year-round academics, computer labs and equine therapy, among other intensive programs.