A relatively new development in modern educational institutions, partnership and charter schools in North Carolina include schools such as Partnership Elementary School, the UNC Earth Partnership program, Arapahoe Charter and Maureen Joy Charter. Technically public schools, charter schools are funded by public money, but are formed and governed by a board of directors, rather than a district-elected school board. As such, many charter schools can provide unique educational opportunities for troubled teens, through either a focus on a specific educational discipline or educational style.
Traditional academies in North Carolina include schools ranging from Burlington Christian Academy and Asheville Christian Academy to Brunswick County Academy and Lawrence Academy. Unlike traditional high schools, academies represent ideologically unified institutions which believe in a specific path toward education. In the case of Christian academies, this path includes heavy instruction in Christian dogma, as well as mandatory participation in Christian activities. In secular academies, the path can include character education, utilized at Durham Academy, or a focus on athletics, as employed by Cape Fear Academy. Some schools, such as Central Academy of Technology and Arts emphasize on a specific discipline. Because they are independent schools, the right traditional academy can provide the ideal learning environment for a troubled teen.
Boarding schools in North Carolina include schools such as Asheville School, Christ School and Salem Academy. Boarding schools are similar to traditional academies in that they are ideologically unified institutions which focus on a singular path toward education. Unlike traditional academies, however, boarding schools provide housing and 24 hour student immersion. As with traditional academies, boarding schools can provide the ideal learning environment given a specific academy's educational focus. Boarding schools have the added benefit of removing troubled teens from the environment which could be potentially harmful to their development.
Perhaps the most extreme amalgamation of partnership schools, traditional academies and boarding schools, military academies in North Carolina include schools such as Oak Ridge Military Academy and Marie G. Davis Military Academy. Military academies follow the militaristic educational path which emphasizes discipline and order. Additionally, students are often required to participate in grueling physical activities in line with various training activities undergone in military boot camps. In addition to removing a troubled teen from bad influences, military academies often instill in their students a sense of discipline and pride, going along with their heavy military influence.