What free boarding schools for at-risk children are available? Many parents feel that their children would benefit from all that boarding school has to offer, but they are concerned that they can’t afford the high cost of tuition. While there aren’t very many available, there are a few private boarding schools that are free or with just a small fee. Here is a list of free boarding schools by state. Show
Boarding school includes private boarding schools, therapeutic boarding schools, military academies, Christian boarding schools and others. The truth is that very few are free or low cost. Most charge tuition that is high for many families to afford. Are there free military schools? No. Unfortunately there are no free military schools. Military schools are privately funded by families. Click here to learn more about how to pay for military school. Free Boarding Schools in the United StatesHere is a listing of the free boarding schools available in the United States as of 2022. Listings are for information purposes and do not imply a recommendation. Boy’s Ranch in Amarillo, TexasCal Farley’s Boys Ranch is a residential community open to at-risk children ages 5 to 18. The program is run entirely by donations and parents are not required to contribute to their child’s tuition. Contrary to the name, the Ranch accepts both boys and girls, and about 300 children live on the Ranch at any given time. This Christian boarding school offers a strengths-based approach, models leadership, and offers trauma-informed care. Contact Boys Ranch through their website or by calling 800-687-3722. Click here to read parent reviews of Boys Ranch. Cookson Hills in Kansas, OklahomaCookson Hills provides home, school, and therapy for kids who are at-risk. They are a children’s home serving kids ages 5-17. Since 1957, Cookson Hills has provided a nurturing home, quality Christian education, and therapy services in a safe and trauma-informed environment. When children begin the program, parents are required to pay a $100 deposit for therapy fees and a $100 security deposit. Beyond that, parents are asked to pledge a monthly amount for tuition but there is no set monthly charge. They offer a no-cost solution for kids who have faced challenges with family life, school truancy, homelessness, poor peer relationships, attachment issues or experienced abuse and neglect. Cookson is funded by individuals, churches, and foundations who want to provide a hopeful future for kids who are at-risk. Click here to read about Cookson Hills on their website or call 918.597.2192. Click here to read parents reviews of Cookson Hills. Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PennsylvaniaMilton Hershey School is a free boarding school for low-income families who desire an improved educational experience for their children. The school was founded by businessman and chocolatier Milton Hershey. Students must meet all 5 of the following criteria to be considered for acceptance:
Contact the Hershey School through their website or by calling 717-283-2555. The SEED School of Washington, D.C.The SEED School of Washington, D.C. is the nation’s first, public, college-preparatory, tuition-free boarding school. Their five-day boarding program requires that enrolled students arrive on Sunday evenings for check-in and check out on Friday afternoons for the weekend. Students must be DC residents and entering 9th or 10th grade to apply. Visit the SEED DC website or call 202-248-3025 for more information. Boarding Schools for Academic and Artistic AbilitiesOn the chance that an at-risk child lives in one of these states and has the following abilities, the following schools are tuition-free:
What is the Cost of Boarding Schools?By the time a child completes therapeutic boarding school, it can run up to $150,000 for a complete education, with tuition costs that average $20,000-30,000 per academic school year. How to Pay for Boarding SchoolClick here for a detailed guide for how to pay for boarding school. Options for parents may include insurance, loans, grants, and other creative funding sources. Click here to read about the exact costs of parent, Robin, and how their family pays for their child’s education at Youth with a Vision boarding school. Other Treatment Options for Kids Besides Boarding SchoolBoarding schools are private institutions. If boarding school is too expensive for your family, there are other out-of-home options for children, which include:
Use this list of free boarding schools to determine if one is right for your child, or consider other treatment options to get your child the care they need. Do you know of a free boarding school that’s not listed? Share about it in the comments below. Click here for a free PDF printable checklist of the 7 steps to take when your child needs residential treatment. Where do I send my troubled youth in Maryland?Therapeutic Programs for Troubled Teens in Maryland. Agape Boarding School.. Future Men.. Heartland Boys Academy.. Pine Mountain Academy.. Vision Boys Academy.. Are there any free boarding schools in the US?The SEED School of Washington, D.C. is the nation's first, public, college-preparatory, tuition-free boarding school. Their five-day boarding program requires that enrolled students arrive on Sunday evenings for check-in and check out on Friday afternoons for the weekend.
How much do most boarding schools cost?Well, the short answer is that it all depends on the type of school, location, and how much financial assistance your family receives. So, bottom line, despite tuition ranging from $60,000- $75,000 at many schools, you could actually find it is more cost effective than many private day schools in your region.
Does boarding school help with ADHD?The traditional classroom setting isn't for everyone, and that's okay! Students diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often thrive in the more supportive and diverse academic environment of boarding school.
|