| New
Perspectives
- Dec, 1993 (#25) |
WARNER MOUNTAIN SCHOOL at
BAR B RANCH
Fort Bidwell, California
Jim McLaughlin, Academic Dean
916-279-2109
This is a new year-round boarding
school in Northeastern California, located in Surprise Valley
near Oregon and Nevada. They plan a solid college prep academic
curriculum, along with help for significant personal changes
in the lives of their students.
"Character building is the key
goal in our program". They are "looking for students in grades
7 through 12 who need help in dealing with: peer relationships;
underachievement in school; depression and low personal confidence;
and improving family relationships and communication." They
will be working with parents as "partners in the growth of
their children."
The academic program will be
year-round in 10-week terms with four 3-week breaks. The breaks
will provide ample time for family vacations and on-campus
family workshops.
"The daily routine of caring
for animals, learning to do essential chores, sharing in projects
and special activities (trail rides, moving cattle from place
to place, helping build and maintain ranch fixtures, etc.)
creates meaningful experiences for positive character building."
Their philosophy statement goes
on to say; "The most important consideration when preparing
young people for adult life is character.... The following
attributes are key elements in good character: joy, honesty,
enthusiasm, compassion, dependability, patience, peace, industry,
kindness, trustworthiness, and self-control.... As personal
integrity and strength develops, excellence in academic, vocational,
and social skills will be a natural result.... We believe
the key to motivate young people is to help them learn to
appreciate life and live it to the fullest.... We believe
that students can do much more than they think they can....
We build from success.... Students rise to meet expectations."
"These are the same expectations
the staff holds for ourselves. No double standards, no excuses,
no exceptions. The most nurturing environment is one that
gives love generously in a setting of order and discipline.
Students need the safety and security of such a place to grow
and learn effectively. We also believe that these expectations
are universally practical for long-term success in education,
career and personal life."
Copyright
© 1993, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced
without prior approval if the copyright notice and proper
publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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