Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students earn high school credits while they are at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?

Yes. Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch offers fully accredited classes in its private Christian school.  Students have the ability to earn high school credits which can later be transferred to either private or public schools following the student’s completion of the program. Each subject is divided into 10 units. Each unit contains lessons, quizzes, projects, and a final test. One half (1/2) credit is earned for every 5 units completed in a subject. A full credit is earned for every 10 units completed in a subject. Students must complete at least 5 units in a subject before any credit will transfer.

Does my child have to be willing in order to be admitted?

It is rare that a student actually “wants” to attend such a program, though attitudes toward our program usually change dramatically for the better when the boy learns that it is adventure-based. Even so, we understand that a troubled boy may be reluctant to leave his school, peers and current lifestyle. We require only that he is aware that he is coming to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch and that he walks in under his own power (i.e. he is not handcuffed and forcibly dragged in to the building or sedated in order to get him in).  Many parents are worried that they won’t be able to get their child to our campus, but we can assist you with how to handle that with your child.  We have helped many families through the process of how to approach their child, and we have had great success in admitting even the most oppositional and angry boys. 

Will you accept my boy if he is on medications?

Yes.  Just inform us if your child is on any type of medication.  Medications should be discussed early in the application process.  Students who come into the program on medication must come under the care of a local doctor.  Many students who come to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch have been able to reduce or completely eliminate their need for medications once their behavior stabilizes.  Any medication changes will be handled through a licensed physician.  It is understood that some students will need to stay on medications for the duration of the program.

Can my boy enter at any time during the year?

Yes.  We accept new students throughout the year.  We will work with you to schedule an appropriate admission date for your child.

New students will participate in their first outdoor adventure trip immediately after arriving.  A trained staff member will lead the adventure trip.  He is accompanied by current student leaders who have positive attitudes.  They befriend the new students and really help them with their adjustment to the program.  This first trip has been shown to dramatically lower students’ anxieties about being placed in the program. 

After students leave for the adventure trip, the parents/guardians meet with the Executive Director for orientation.  Parents/Guardians will also have the opportunity to meet with the Academic director, tour the facility, and ask any remaining questions about the ministry. 

Is the tuition tax-deductible?

Usually not, since most of the cost is for the boarding school, activities, and care of the child, but some of the therapy or addiction treatment costs could be. Be sure to check with your tax advisor.

If my son is facing legal charges, can the judge and/or probation officer be notified that he has been approved for entry into Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?

Yes! As long as the offense was not a violent attack or arson, we accept boys with minor brushes with the law and will work with the judge and/or probation officer to keep them informed of the entry status and of the student’s progress at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch.

What kind of licensing and accreditation does Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch have?

Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a licensed residential facility with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The program is accredited with honors by Teen Challenge International, USA. Students in our private school are simultaneously enrolled in Edgenuity’s Online school. Edgenuity is fully accredited by Cognia, the world’s largest educational community with over 27,000 public and private schools.  Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).  CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. CARF accreditation focuses on quality, results.

What is the typical length of stay?

The optional addiction treatment program (which takes place first, if needed) is a 90-day program.  For the full behavioral program, up to twelve months are completed in residence at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch and six additional months of counseling and mentoring (for the boy and the parents) are provided in our Aftercare Program, which helps the boy and family transition successfully at home. 

What is your aftercare program like? 

Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch continue to work with boys and their families after the residential portion of the program is completed.  Our Aftercare Program offers at least six months of working with the boy and his family when the boy returns home.  We help with any transition issues and relapses.