Elan School

This school is closing soon I just read. I just wrote a review as I attended this school years ago.
--Submitted by a parent

The Elan School's purpose is not to change an ill-behaved child into a well-behaved child, but rather to return home a responsible young adult. We are a private special purpose boarding school for troubled teens, a pioneer in the field of successfully reengaging teens and reconnecting families, all without the use of medication. This is a claim that only a handful of schools in the country can make. Medication has become an all too often choice for managing troubled teenagers. We continue to be proud of the success that we've had with children, who have been medicated previously, without positive results. To learn more about us, please visit us at www.elanschool.com.
--Submitted by a teacher

stephen - Feb 24, 2011 Maine was a great day last year. From what I understand, this was the first year they had held this event. It meant alot to my parents to visit my nephew for the day and to witness, first hand, the school he's attending. I've read other's comments about the campus, yup, it's definately "down home Maine" as they say. It's simple, no frills and just what my nephew needs. We spent a beautiful spring day planting perennials, eating great food and catching up on the progress my nephew had made thus far in the school. We were able to meet other families who had also traveled some distance and made some new friends. The grandparent/grandchild dance was a blast! I didn't know much about the school and spending the day there really helped me to see how things work. This school is Maine's best kept secret, no doubt.

My nephew attended the Elan School. Our family can't say enough wonderful things about their program and all of it's staff !! He is currently enrolled in college, doing exceptionally and is "back" to the sweet person we all knew he was when he was younger, he's just a bit older now:) We're a very close family and all of the kids are fairly close in age. It was very difficult for us to have him away from all of us, especially so far away, and for so long. We knew we were losing him anyway, and feared that we would lose him permantly to the lifestyle he was living, so sending him away to school was the only choice. We are eternally greatful to the love and support that he received at this school. I've read alot of the stuff online recently and can only surmise that some of the kids writing this stuff didn't like the rules. I can assure you, on behalf of my family, we would have NEVER left one of our own in this school, for even a second, if we ever felt that in any way this school was abusive. It was a challenging experience for my nephew and we feel blessed to have found this school!

I had the oppurtunity to meet some of The Elan School's students and staff this past Septemeber at the "Esperanza 5k" race in Windham. We learned that they had worked with the Windham HS kids in putting together this first time road race in Windham to benefit the children that have the unfortunate lot in life of growing up in the Guatemala City dump. Apparently, the "Elan kids" had organized a good portion of this race, securing sponsors, advertising, race officials etc.. We attend alot of road races, and while this was a smaller one, it was only their first year and it was beautifully organized. We hope to see them do it again next fall!

I was up at this school this past week visiting my nephew. I want to commend the counselors, teachers and coaches that I met. It is because of your amazing care, and insight into these kids that has made such an impression. I don't know where my nephew would be today without you. If I can give you an award I would. The only thing I can do is give you words of praise. I know the school looks like a sleep away camp, but that is not what is important here. It is the heart felt love, love and understanding that you instill in these boys, young adults that is what counts. I was and am totally impressed and wish for all of you eternal happiness and success forever. Thank you, Warm Regards , Joanne

Caring clinical staff, dedicated teachers and truly the best coach that my son has ever had. It's been several years since my son attended this very special school in Maine, my gratitude however is timeless. Keep up the good work guys!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Elan School for 1 1/2 years. He is absolutely in the best possible environment for him. At Elan he has matured, learned his strengths and weaknesses. He has also learned how to deal with his anxiety and frustration in more positive ways. Before Elan, my son was not physically active, he never played team sports. He is now on the track Team, last week the Team took home the STATE Championship Trophy! I don't think there's a better coach on the planet. The commitment of all the staff is amazing. I read a review about the school as a plain simple place,this is true. My son has evolved into a kid that seems to have ten fold more wisdom than when he arrived at Elan. He was a smart kid who never did homework - He is getting As and Bs, now.
--Submitted by a parent

We are current parents of TWO boys at the Elan School. We are thrilled with the progress we have seen already. My son was told by kids who came from wilderness-type programs who are now at Elan, that Elan's program works. Elan provides confused, troubled teens with an excellent opportunity to turn their lives around and become responsible, respected members of our communities. Elan's program is positive-peer based, supportive, run by knowledgable and experienced staff, they are physically and emotionally safe and are learning invaluable life skills. I know of no other program that teaches kids introspection, to understand their motivations and turn them around like Elan. The KIDS are taught to take responsibility for their own actions, attitudes and ultimately, their lives. Without the distraction of drugs, etc, both boys' academics are excellent and we sleep at night knowing they are in the right place.
--Submitted by a parent

Each student is treated as an individual and taught basic life skills through job hierarchy and group sessions. The basic principles are accountability and responsibility. Students are given structure, discipline and learn self control. Groups are formed for each unique issue and peers give feedback to each other. Students have different reasons for attending the program. Elan is highly structured beginning with breakfast, jobs, groups and school. Kids learn their life skills through interacting with peers and staff throughout the day. The program is restrictive and it is very difficult at first, but when you see the progress and the change in your child, realizing that the staff are able to bring these kids to a better place and instill skills that we may not have been successful with at home, I and many other parents feel our kids are in the best place. And most importantly they are safe.
--Submitted by a parent