Turning Winds Private Boarding School FAQ

Is your boarding school accredited?

Turning Winds Academic Institute is accredited through Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS). Northwest Association of Accredited Schools is one of the nation's six acknowledged accrediting agencies. With this accreditation the credits earned during each teens stay at our specialty boarding school will transfer to any school in the nation. If a student is far enough along in his or her schooling before coming to Turning Winds Academic Institute we may also issue a high school diploma, once that is earned. A solid accreditation is one of the most important components of teen boarding schools.

Can my son or daughter earn a high school diploma?

Yes, our accreditation is accepted across the nation. This means all credits earned while at our program will transfer back to the school of choice once the student leaves. A student may also earn a high school diploma from our school. On occasion we will have a student who is years behind in school and the parents and student together decide to pursue a G.E.D. and then start taking college courses. Here at our boys and girls boarding schools, students have earned up to 20 college credits, which is almost a full year of college.

Are your teachers certified?

Yes, we have teachers who are certified through the state of Montana. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds and are able to relate to and provide the best academic guidance to the students they teach.

Do you have licensed therapists?

Yes, our therapists are licensed by the state of Montana or are currently pursuing their license. Residents at our girls and boys boarding schools receive regular one-on-one counseling with one of our licensed therapists throughout their stay with us. We also offer consistent family counseling with one of our therapists.

Is Turning Winds Academic Institute licensed by the State?

Yes, we are licensed by the state of Montana. As part of our accreditation Turning Winds Academic Institute must go through rigorous site visits and adhere to high licensing standards.

What type of medical staff do you employ?

Turning Winds Academic Institute employs a R.N. to oversee the students general health needs as well as to oversee and manage administration of medication for those students who take medication. We also have a visiting psychiatrist that attends to those taking medication on a monthly basis.

What is your student population?

Turning Winds Academic Institute enrolls up to 50 students. This is not much bigger than most public school classrooms. Part of the reason we are one of the most successful private boarding schools is that our program is organized to allow our professional staff to focus on the individual. We know that each one of our students is desperate need of help and are committed to providing the necessary assistance to each teenager in our care.

How do I secure a bed for my son/daughter?

Turning Winds Academic Institute enrolls students on a "first come, first serve" basis. We typically have beds available but are full at times. The best thing to do is to download and fill out our application immediately to ensure that your teen’s place, at one of the USA boarding schools, is secured at our program. We are here to help you through the entire admissions process. Call now, or contact us to secure your child's place at Turning Winds Academic Institute. 1-800-845-1380

Should I give my son/daughter one more chance?

Because we know human behavior so well we know that once a path is chosen it is usually followed unless an intervention is made. In a way we can be likened to a tree. When the tree is young it is very pliable. It can be moved in any direction. The older and bigger it gets, the less malleable it becomes. Turning Winds Academic Institute is able to work with almost any teen in any stage of life. Call now to speak to an admissions counselor or contact us to consider your child's need for placement. 1-800-845-1380

What are the chances my child will change?

The probability your child will change is very great. We are very good at working with teens and providing an environment where struggling teens have optimal chances for success. While it is ultimately up to the child to make the decision to change, our program does provide a significant pull through the strong peer culture and experienced staff who excel in influencing teens to change as quickly as possible. Turning Winds Academic Institute has a very good success rate.

Will my child ever forgive me?

There may certainly be resentment at first but in most cases it will dissipate rather quickly. We have never had a student who has not let go negative feelings being held as a result of being sent to Turning Winds Academic Institute. Almost in every case when a teen graduates from the orientation phase of our program there are wet eyes as they see their parents for the first time. Also, it is very common to see our students, as they are addressing their parents during their graduation, look at their parents with tear filled eyes and thank them for saving their life. That is a moment that every parent can look forward to with great anticipation.

Is my son/daughter with good people?

Our staff is among the best in the industry. We do thorough background checks on our employees. Our staff must go through extensive training each year to retain employment at Turning Winds Academic Institute.

What makes Turning Winds Academic Institute different from other programs out there?

Turning Winds Academic Institute is a "well oiled machine." We have been in the teen business long enough to know what works and what does not work. Our main areas of focus are: behavior modification, emotional stability, and academic achievement. We are very good at what we do. Below are a few key points that could set us apart from other programs.

  • First-Class clinical team.
  • One on one regular therapy sessions.
  • Nightly group sessions led by a counselor.
  • Fully Accredited Academic Institute accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.
  • Certified teachers coming from a variety of backgrounds in education, affording them the necessary tools to cultivate success with each student.
  • Small program of up to 50 students, which allows us to focus on the individual (Allowing no child to slip through the crack).
  • Turning Winds Academic Institute employees are amongst the best in the industry.
  • Our administrative/management team have over 50+ years of combined experience working with troubled teens.
  • Family oriented program.
  • Located in Northwestern Montana on 150 acres with a beautiful trout river flowing through the property.
  • Our students are housed in a beautiful log lodge.
  • Utilize the outdoors to help facilitate change.
  • Competitive prices.
  • Partial scholarships available.
  • Parents can qualify for educational loans.
  • Aftercare program.

How long is the Program?

The average length of stay is about 12 months, with a six month minimum. Although that is the average, the length of stay will vary for each teen we help. Some of our students go home after 10 months and do very well, although every now and then it could take18 months, or longer, for other teens to go home and be in a good enough space to be successful. 98% of our students are ready to go home after 12 months.

Where are you located?

Turning Winds Academic Institute is located in beautiful Northwestern Montana. Our facilities are nestled in the Purcell Mountains on 150+ acres. The South Fork of the Yaak River runs through the entire property and is a great location for fishing and swimming in the summer. Outdoor activities are easily accessible right from our back door.

Is there a program closer to where I live?

We provide success to each family we serve. We help return to families a child who is once again stable; a child who was lost and now is found. The most important thing that should be considered when looking to place a teen out of the home is what the program has to offer in terms of helping the child, not necessarily the program location. We accept students from all over the United States as well as from other countries. We have had students from Europe, Canada, and Australia to name a few. For foreign enrollments click here.

What is the cost of Turning Winds Academic Institute?

Tuition at Turning Winds Academic Institute is $196 per day plus enrollment fees. Ask one of our admissions counselors about Turning Winds Academic Institute's partial scholarships. Educational loans are available to help pay for your child's stay at Turning Winds Academic Institute's boarding school. This route could put payments around $600/month. Call our admissions office or contact us to get more information regarding financing your child's stay at Turning Winds Academic Institute. 1-800-845-1380 Contact us for a free assessment with one of our admissions counselors.

1-800-845-1380