Agape Boys Boarding School, Stockton, MO, a Christian school for boys 12 to 18, is not what it used to be 3 years ago, or even 3 months ago! My last visit to Agape was about two years ago and a lot has happened.

So what happened? Improvements, in every direction! The first thing noticeable is in the cafeteria. The boys are chatting together normally in subdued voices, smiling, and eating, all very normal or I should say better than normal. In the past the boys were usually silent except for the few kids getting disciplined. Now these kids were happily behaving themselves all during the meal.

The boys were all dressed well in uniforms, were clean cut, and well kept. Also I saw the kids smiling and interacting with each other. In the past I had not seen much interaction among the kids. Now, the atmosphere seems like a very normal school setting, although I knew most of these boys came here because of some academic or behavioral need.

This school has plenty of structure. Day and night the boys are well supervised. There are set times to study, sleep, eat and play. They have plenty of choices of fun things to do, but they have to choose something. This includes both recreational choices and service choices. There is something for everyone to enjoy as they get back on track with academics and behavior.

Agape Boarding School is on a working ranch. They have horses and many other exotic animals. I suppose you can say they have a full functioning zoo. The students help out on the ranch, but the main activity is their school work and study as well as learning improved behavior and better decision making. The buildings are well kept and I saw a few new buildings going up.

Many of the teachers and staff live on campus. Staff houses are scattered around the campus, so the staff are available often throughout the day and night if needed.

The school seems to have gained sophistication over the past years in helping boys get back on track. However, it's still a bargain price for a boarding school that helps these kids.

To talk to Steve about his experience, you may email him at Stee@bozak.org.