Discovery Academy

I have looked at the reviews here and see they are all across the board. As a parent of a 17 year old that is there, I can tell you that the program is excellent. My son started in Red Cliff Ascent (their sister program) for three months then I took him to DA. He has been in DA for about two months and he complains he wants to come home, but he has RAD and this is the way he usually operates. My son has been to counseling since he was three years old (he was adopted at 10 after many failed placements) as he is finally opening up to a therapist. My son is starting to work through his past issues and the outlook is still tough, but I think he will actually make it. Yes it is expensive, but it is worth every penny. I speak to the therapist once or twice a week on the phone and he answers my emails within 24 hours. I also have contact with his teachers and the housing staff. I highly recommend this program for most troubled youth. It is not a fix all for everyone, but they will seriously evaluate your child and make sure they are the right fit.
--Submitted by a parent

Our Daughter has been attending the DA since April 2010. There is no quick fix here. By the time you have decided to send you child there they have already been through more than you know. Once she arrived at the DA and got through the first few months of the program we learned more about her in that time than we did in the past 3 years. You really have to go with your instict here though. Try to help your kid now by sending them to a place like this now, where they are safe and receiving top notch therapy of many kinds in a beautiful State or watch them self destruct and then bail them out jail or scrape them up off the street. Or you can pray that they will just just turn out fine. If your child is spiining out of control then the Da is great option. It's a pretty penny and you have to able to afford. Some kids have been there for a couple years. every parent we have met and spoken to is pleased with the school. The negative comments you read are probably from parents that pulled there kid out too soon or students that did not graduate the program.
--Submitted by a parent

discovery academy was one of the worst experiences of my life. i know now that because of how they messed with my head and tried to control my way of thinking, i went through unnecessary brainwashing and 'reprograming' there is something wrong with the fact that they believe themselves to be a troubled youth's 'last chance' at success, yet i have never seen one student leave that did not relapse to drugs or past decisions and or make new ones that are far worse. never send your child here.
--Submitted by a student

Definately a 'for profit' school. Very little attention to students and those that got the attention and privledges were those who paid the most to the school. Counselors were very sub par. They are more interested in keeping you there as long as possible to get as much money as they could even if you were ready to go or if you were not getting better. Lots of threats and punishments to get the kids to behave. There must be better schools out there for the money.
--Submitted by a student

We enrolled our son at DA in perhaps one one of the worst times of our lives. Our son was on the road to a life of addiction and probably expulsion from high school. DA may have save his life. The therapy is fantastic. He is safe while he learns.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is attending DA and we are pleased with her progress, her increased ability to cope with difficulties, anger and the unfortunate experiences in her past. We recommend families review the web page and the facility if possible. The parent seminar opportunity is well worth the time. The campus and female facilities are well kept and comfortable. Our daughter is safe and well cared for.
--Submitted by a parent

Discovery Academy saved our sons life! Our whole family will forever be so greatfull for everyone associated with this school. Our son is now a 19 yr. old. He is in his second year of college and doing great!!! The 'Tools For Living' that he was given at DA will be with him forever! Thank You Everyday DA!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I went d.A when i was 13 years old i was very troubled and being sent to d.A i acted out, it was worse than regular school because now i was in a building full of kids who were as troubled as me and we all worked together to get into trouble manipulate the staff,parents,and therapists 'to work the program' just so we could leave .I would not take my experiece from d.A back i am grateful i met great people i had the best therapist in the world he was like my father but the 5,000 grand a month and after i left the program i went right back to bad behavior and so did everyonelse that was there when i was the only way your kid will figure out life is by themselves boarding school will not help
--Submitted by a student

This is really a good school. There are truly skilled caring people there who looked after my child and created the changes we've always hoped for. They have updated their facilities and have a beautiful campus.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that this is a great school! I it actually hard to believe that anyone has anything bad to say about DA. My husband and I are thrilled that our son is there because he has learned so much about himself. His attitude is better and he has more respect for himself and for his family. Thank you DA!
--Submitted by a parent