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

Our son is a current student at Elan. He started there as an angry teen with some Learning Diabilities, very low self-esteem, ready to give up on school and life. Now he is a proud participant of their very intense and structured program. His eyes are opened and he is seeing and learning both academics and life skills. Elan is giving us back our son as a productive participant of society. We are so very grateful!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the grandparent of a girl who has been a student at Elan for almost three years. She went to Elan as a angry troubled teenager. She has matured, she has repaired former family relationships and in her own words 'loves Elan'. Our visits have been limited and I wish we had more but overall, something they do there works and she will be coming home soon ready to attend college in the fall. A very greatful granmother

i am a current parent of an Elan School student. My son has made remarkable progress due to the 'tough love' approach by the faculty and staff. The school provides a nurturing environment fostered by the concept that students learn from each other while taking responsibility for their actions. The school does not offer a fancy campus nor an impressive array of programs, but what it offers is an opportunity for a young person to develop themselves in ways that are extra-ordinary.
—Submitted by a parent

The school overall had a beutiful campus, but is made to look better on the online site than in actuality. The curiculem for school is not the greatest there are lower standards and more le-way for higher grades and a 9th grader will be in a12 grader in classes that they shouldn't really be combined in. In overall changing the students behavior it is 35% succesfull it's a tough school and not for the kind hearted. The students are put through alote and the dorm conditions are not the greatest very cramped. Parents are limited to little time with their children even if they behave. You really need to weigh out at what point your willing to go for your child to change and possibley your self. I would suggest contacting students that have and havent graduated to get both perspectives of the school, I have found that alote on Myspace
—Submitted by a parent

The Elan School like anywhere else is what you make of it. It's tough, it's emotional. There are no short-cuts or easy ways out. And that is why a lot of former students have such negative things to say about it. For those that found themselves, got into college, were successful, put in the work and the dedication to their own lives and used it for what it was meant to be, those are the ones who have positive things to say about it. Each person is different and each situation is different. But, if you're out of hope and you are desperate to save the life of your child, this is the place to send them.
—Submitted by a student

As a former student I will tell you that Elan saved my life. I struggled in the program because it's tough, there are no shortcuts. I learned vital life skills, I made it to college, I am happy with my life. To think of where I was at my first day at Elan is scary. I have come a long way. Still in touch with many former students it seems that most are making it. It is sad for me to hear or read negative things about Elan, especially from former students. Elan is a school. Elan teaches. What a student does with that education is up to them. Those who choose to apply their knowledge will make it, no doubt.
—Submitted by a former student

I sent my child to Elan School and am so happy I did. [She] was skipping school, behaving immorally, doing drugs and stealing. She had become someone so different than the beautiful child she was in her younger years. After Elan School, she was helped with placement into college by the fine folks at Elan and is now a successful lawyer in a fast-paced NY law-firm, she has 2 beautiful children and is married to a surgical doctor. Elan School was certainly a life-saver for [her]. If it had not been for the Elan School, I would have never had this much joy in my life. I'd suggest checking out the Elan School website if you have lost control of your child. I have no hesitations about the school.
—Submitted by Christopher Longobodi, a parent

As a teacher at the Elan School for over 21 years and often in the local public schools, the Elan School does exactly what it was designed to do. Help students who are on their last chance to get their lives together before more extensive placements are necessary. Students do not go to Elan on an academic scholarship. They go there because their lives are totally messed up and they have already failed at other placements including public school programs. The facilities are old and need updating but have improved a great deal since Mr. Ricci passed away. There are plans for a modern school building as enrollments continue to increase. Elan is exceptional in that academics are stressed where most special schools and treatment centers give education a low priority. Students leave Elan, either graduate or dis-enroll, academically at grade level or more advanced.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a parent of a child who attended the Elan School for 28 months, and is now attending college on a full time basis (NOT A 'Community College') I sincerely feel, believe and am convinced, that if it were not for the Elan School, my son would not be where he is at today, and would most likely be in jail or worse. I say this from the bottom of my heart,each family/child situation is different, you must do as I did, and carefully research the most APPROPIATE school that will best suit your child's needs-and then you must make a very hard decision that a parent has to make-and that is to turn your child over to whatever school it is thatthat will make your child a better person.
—Submitted by a parent

I am in amazement that such a forum to post comments towards this 'school' is even avilable. contact me...former student. I'll tell you what I and every other student thinks...NV_MEDIA@YAHOO.CA
—Submitted by a former student