Academy Ranches, Inc. is a new residential treatment center for boys and girls, ages 12 to 17. However, at this time, it is only licensed to accept boys, but the girls' campus, Sandhill Ranch, is not yet ready for occupancy. The boys' campus is Fairview Ranch, which is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Salt Lake City, UT, in southeastern Idaho. The students live in a home-style environment with house parents and 24-hour supervision by trained staff. The Fairview site houses a main residence, bunkhouse, offices, corrals and pastures for the animals.
The average length of stay is 8 to 12 months, and the program accepts youth from a variety of settings including those coming straight from home or have completed a wilderness or other short-term program. While in the program, students participate in weekly individual, family, group, experiential and Animal Assisted Therapies with Master's level therapists. Academy Ranches work with youth who are experiencing mild to moderate emotional, psychological and behavioral problems.
Academy Ranches provide onsite high school and college courses through the independent study program at Brigham Young University. All credits are transferable and each student receives one-on-one help from certified teachers. Class sizes are limited to 12 students and the program works with consultants and parents to provide individualized education plans for students. The program also offers vocational and life skills training to the students.
Editors Note:
All information used in this New Perspective was gathered from the Academy Ranches website and/ or directly from the executive director, Bryan Ramboz.