Q. Why should I contact Lifelines to assist me?

A. Most of us at Lifelines are parents of teens who have attended one of the specialty schools we represent! We can understand the confusion and fear that most parents are experiencing and stand willing to guide you!  We are committed to giving each family individual attention and compassion.  We take great interest in your family's success and can give you detailed information about each of the schools represented for your consideration and selection.  There is no charge to you for our services. We will walk you through the enrollment process, assist you with financial options, transport options, and will stay on board with you until your child has safely arrived at the school.
 
We can guide you to schools in your geographical area, or more importantly, to schools that may best fit your child's needs.  We encourage families to search out each schools' website, watch online testimonials and campus videos, then contact references for that program.   When you are going to make such an important decision as this on saving your child's future, maybe even their life, it's important to visit with other families who have "traveled the road ahead"   Additionally, we invite you to tour any of the schools we represent, and will happily make those arrangements for you.
 

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Q. What is a specialty school?

A.  A specialty school is a youth program that focuses on helping a teen achieve their highest potential on several different fronts!  First, their focus is on behavior modification - learning accountability, responsibility, personal integrity, respect, etc.  Secondly, their focus is on Self-Esteem and Character Development - assisting students in feeling empowered to have self-love and thus make working choices for themselves.  The third component, is a focus on Academics - students can complete coursework on an individualized personal study program and must pass their courses with a B or higher in order to move on thus giving them self-confidence in their education.   The fourth component to the Specialty Schools we represent is their strong focus on creating family unity and growth - helping the entire family come together with new tools so that their can be greater harmony in the home once the child returns home!  Most specialty schools also have counseling services available at an additional charge.

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Q. Is a specialty school the best thing for my child?

A. The specialty boarding Schools we represent are designed to assist pre-teens, teens and young adults in developing healthy lifestyles. Each School is an environment where academic confidence, experiential learning, emotional growth and character building are balanced.  Some of these programs we represent offer a more intense, therapeutic approach. Perhaps your teen has been traumatized, has adoption issues or you may prefer therapy to augment emotional growth and personal development. Addictive behavior, co-dependency, anger management, attachment issues and victim-role issues are addressed in the Seminars students attend while in the program. And since the Programs focus on the family, parents are very much involved within the framework of their child's program.

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Q. How long will my child be in one of the programs?

A. The Schools are results-based, not predicated upon a set time, semester, or year. Typically the average stay is 12-18 months, depending on each individual student's progress, however we do have some short-term options, including a 30-45 day Wilderness option.
 
The fundamental success of our students stems from the building of character by examining and changing self-limiting beliefs which have previously prevented them from staying on the path to personal success. Their academic performance improves exponentially as well.   The joy of learning returns once students have become self-directed with internal motivation. Most of all the students tell us they feel challenged and supported in their new life goals and feel valued and nurtured. The
 
While most programs are not short-term programs, they do, however, offer a 3-month option which some parents use to evaluate where their teen really is. Our Programs are so strong and effective in assisting students in making working choices for their lives, that long term can often be the best approach so that teens can internalize lasting changes!

 

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Q.  How soon can my child be enrolled?

A. Within 24 hours if needed!  Schools have "open enrollment" with admission available anytime, 24 hours a day 365 days of the year.   Parents especially like the individually-paced learning with teachers as a coach to provide one-on-one teaching along with on-line academic learning management systems.  Programs can assist ADD students (approximately 46% of the collective student body are ADD/ADHD). Non-traditional learners typically do very well using the above methods.

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 Q. Do you work with any religion programs, such as Christian schools?

A. We do represent a Christian Academy for your consideration.   Additionally, many of our schools now offer the option of a non-denominational faith-based curriculum which can help meet your family's religious values within the context of their course studies.

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Q. Do your programs deal with teens with special needs? How can I get my child accepted?

A. Educational makeup of our students range from gifted and talented to students with learning differences, IB students, IEP/504 students, and non-traditional learners, typically most with IQs of average, above average to superior intelligence. To determine if your child meets the criteria of the school you're interested in, we will interview you and complete the school's application questionaire, submitting it to the school for their review and approval of your child.  Based on your answers and information the school will be able to accept your child.   We can receive approval in a matter of hours, when no additional documentation is requested.

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Q. What do programs like these cost and what are my payment options?

A.  The programs we represent range in cost from approximately $2500/month - $4500/month, which is about HALF the cost of most other youth programs!   Education loans are available that can reduce monthly payment to appx $200-400./month with fast credit approval (OAC).   Lifelines provides a Loan Specialist to provide confidential and helpful assistance with your application.

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Q. Does these programs offer any type of "guarantee" or assurance that my child WILL make changes?

While we cannot alter any child's "free-will", you can be assured that these programs have a very high success rate in helping students to make lasting changes!    Each student comes home on a "HOME CONTRACT" that helps them to stay in alignment with the values of your home.
 
After your child returns home if you find you are concerned about any of their behaviors, many of our schools offer a Written Warranty that allows the student to be re-enrolled for two months for FREE.  This gives parents assurance and leverage in helping their child 'stay on track' once they've returned home!

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Q. How do I know when is the right time to enroll my child?