For free information call 24/7: (855) 509-1833
For boys (and girls) Stillwater Academy offers families a clear, supportive path forward when a teen is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or academically. Located in South Jordan, Utah, Stillwater serves adolescents ages 13 to 18 through a structured residential setting that blends therapeutic support with accredited academics. The goal is not simply short-term compliance, but real growth that helps teens build insight, stability, and the skills needed to succeed at home, at school, and in relationships.
At the center of the Stillwater experience is a community designed for change. Teens are surrounded by adults who understand that difficult behaviors often have deeper causes, including anxiety, depression, trauma, poor coping skills, or ongoing family conflict. Stillwater’s approach focuses on uncovering what is driving the struggle and then teaching practical, repeatable tools that help teens regulate emotions, communicate effectively, and make healthier choices. This kind of supportive structure can be especially helpful for families who have tried traditional outpatient counseling, school interventions, or short-term solutions without lasting results.
Stillwater Academy is known for integrating evidence-based therapeutic methods into an individualized plan for each student. Treatment is designed to address root causes while helping teens develop stronger emotional awareness and healthier patterns of thinking and behavior. Teens participate in regular therapy and skill-building work that supports improved decision-making and healthier relationships with peers and adults. Rather than relying on one single method, Stillwater uses a blended approach that supports growth across emotional, social, and behavioral areas, meeting each student where they are and building a plan around their needs.
Family involvement is a major part of the Stillwater model. Lasting progress is much more likely when parents and guardians are supported alongside their teen, and Stillwater works to help families rebuild trust and strengthen communication. Through family therapy and coaching, caregivers can learn practical strategies for setting boundaries, responding to stress, and engaging in healthier conversations. This helps shift the family dynamic from constant crisis management to a more stable and connected environment. As the teen grows, the family grows too, creating a stronger foundation for the transition back home.
Academics are not put on hold at Stillwater Academy. The program includes an accredited school component so students can continue earning credits while receiving the support they need. This is a major reassurance for families who are concerned about a teen falling behind or losing academic momentum. Students learn in smaller classroom settings with added structure, allowing teachers to provide more individualized support. For teens who have struggled in traditional school environments, this can be a turning point, helping them rebuild confidence, increase focus, and experience success again.
Stillwater also emphasizes real-world readiness. Growth is not limited to therapy sessions, because lasting change requires daily practice. Students learn life skills that support independence and responsibility, including routines, accountability, problem-solving, and healthy social habits. Experiential elements, such as equine-assisted opportunities, can help teens build confidence, emotional regulation, and trust through hands-on learning. These experiences often reach students in a different way than talk-based approaches alone, giving them space to practice patience, self-awareness, and persistence in a supportive environment.
The residential setting is designed to feel structured, safe, and supportive. Teens live within a community where expectations are clear and support is consistent. This allows students to step away from daily triggers, distractions, and negative patterns, giving them the space to reset and rebuild. The Stillwater environment reinforces healthy habits while helping teens experience positive relationships with peers and mentors. Over time, many students begin to replace defensiveness with openness, and avoidance with healthier coping skills that can be carried into everyday life.
Stillwater Academy supports teens facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, defiance, ADHD, school refusal, and family conflict. Each student’s needs are different, and the program’s individualized planning is designed to ensure treatment and support match the student rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all experience. The end goal is a meaningful, stable return home with practical tools, stronger communication, improved emotional management, and renewed academic direction.
For families searching for a residential program that balances emotional support with education and skill-building, Stillwater Academy offers a grounded option focused on long-term outcomes. With year-round enrollment and a commitment to individualized care, Stillwater provides a setting where teens can do the deeper work of change while also staying on track academically. The journey is not always easy, but with the right structure and support, it can become a true turning point, helping teens move forward with resilience, clarity, and hope.
National Boarding School for Struggling Boys
Where aimless and troubled boys are transformed into men of purpose, and families find healing and restoration.
Brush Creek Academy stands as the premier Teen Challenge program for adolescent boys, welcoming students from across the nation. With an unwavering commitment to faith-based transformation, character growth, and academic success, Brush Creek offers a one-of-a-kind experience where boys break free from destructive patterns and rediscover their identity in Christ.
Through championship-level athletics and structured daily routines, boys at Brush Creek gain more than just physical strength—they build confidence, discipline, and resilience. The culture here is one of purpose, respect, and personal ownership. Students are challenged to become leaders, both on and off the field, supported by mentors who are deeply invested in their spiritual and personal development.
Whether your son is struggling with defiance, low motivation, addiction, or emotional distress, there is hope. At Brush Creek Academy, change isn’t just possible—it’s happening every day. Our team is here to walk alongside you and your son, offering grace, accountability, and a fresh vision for a brighter future.
We know how painful it is to see your son drift from his potential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, you’re not alone. We’ve helped countless families find healing through the redemptive power of Christ. There is no situation too broken for God to redeem.
Our mission is rooted in the belief that every young man has a divine purpose. Whether called to leadership, service, or creativity, each student is guided to discover who he was created to be. The calling is not just to change behavior, but to spark a deep, internal shift that lasts a lifetime.
With Christ at the center of everything we do, our experienced and compassionate staff mentor each student through daily discipleship, biblical counseling, and personal growth studies. From classroom to chapel, from vocational training to sports, every moment is intentionally designed to rebuild identity, character, and faith.
Our accredited, state-recognized private school ensures students stay on track academically while growing spiritually, emotionally, and vocationally. At Brush Creek Academy, students don’t just catch up—they move forward with renewed confidence and direction.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Brush Creek Academy is a proud part of Teen Challenge of Oklahoma. Teen Challenge has been transforming lives for over 60 years, and its impact is recognized nationwide. We believe no life is too lost and no family is too broken. Every success story is a testament to God’s power to restore and redeem.
As Billy Graham once said, Teen Challenge is “the most successful program for the treatment of drug addiction in America.” President Ronald Reagan called it “the most successful program of its kind.” That legacy of transformation lives on at Brush Creek Academy.
Everything at Brush Creek points young men back to truth, purpose, and the God who never gives up on them. Even when a student is distant from their faith, we walk with them patiently and lovingly, offering the kind of support that creates real, lasting change.
Our Environment
We believe transformation happens in the right environment—one filled with grace, structure, and authentic faith. At Brush Creek Academy, we boldly share biblical truth while respecting each student’s journey. Our goal is not forced compliance, but genuine heart-level change that leads to an unshakable relationship with Christ.
The values of compassion, humility, and service are woven into daily life here. Our team works diligently to cultivate a culture where students move beyond selfishness to embrace the life they were meant to live: one marked by strength, character, and purpose.
Family Restoration
We work to bring hope and healing to the entire family, not just the student.
At Brush Creek Academy, we know that true healing includes the whole family. Our approach is deeply relational and intentionally structured to rebuild broken trust, restore healthy communication, and renew hope in the home.
Through parent coaching, educational resources, and frequent family engagement, we guide parents alongside their sons throughout the transformation process. We know how exhausting the struggle can be—you don’t have to do this alone anymore.
As your son grows in character and maturity, we walk with you in restoring the bond that was damaged. Together, with Christ at the center, healing becomes not just possible—it becomes the new foundation of your family’s future.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
We look forward to talking with you about how Brush Creek Academy can serve your son and restore your family. Our passion goes beyond surface-level change—we are here to support a complete transformation that lasts for a lifetime.
Resolution Ranch Academy in Cameron, Texas (near Austin) is a place where addicted or at-risk boys age 13-17 can can solve their issues and gain a new perspective on life. Nature has a way of bringing us down to earth and rekindling meaningful introspection. Outdoor activities like fishing on the lake, hiking the trails, and horseback riding, help students reconnect with the world and the people in it.
On 500 acres of open ranch land, Resolution Ranch has an enrollment of approximately 32 students, with a 25 full-time staff. Boys benefit from seven of our staff members on his team—our licensed therapists, equine therapists, direct care workers, teachers, childcare administrators, and counselors work together to provide 24/7 supervision and support. This consistent interaction encourages camaraderie among students and staff, helping them achieve honest communication and meaningful progress.
Founded in 2004, by former NFL player Scott McGarrahan, Resolution Ranch Academy is a therapeutic boarding school that helps teenage boys struggling with behavioral issues, life failure, or addiction. Boys get back on track toward a brighter future. For an average of six to nine months, students experience a positive, nurturing environment focused on guiding personal growth through responsibility, gratitude and open communication.
Resolution Ranch clinical therapists are specialists in treating boys who are headed for trouble. To help foster trust and collaboration between each boy and his therapist, our approach focuses on open, honest communication in a supportive and nurturing setting. During your son’s stay here, his day will be structured around multiple types of therapeutic services, including Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy.
THE R.A.N.C.H. PROCESS HELPS TEEN BOYS THRIVE
As boys progress through the program, they make their way through the five levels of growth that make up our effective R.A.N.C.H. system: Recovery and Academics through Nature, Counseling, and Healing. Our philosophy is based on a commitment to personal growth through the teaching of values, responsibility, and respect. We employ this philosophy in every aspect of our program, which combines Equine Therapy, Clinical Therapy, and Academics in a therapeutic boarding school setting.
Resolution Ranch offers a nurturing environment where teenage boys can find unconditional support, and guidance. If your child is suffering from behavior issues, addiction, depression or is making choices that cause harm to himself or others, we are here to help.
We Work with Boys Who are Experiencing:
- Oppositional defiant disorders (ODD)
- Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD and ADHD)
- Mild Autism Spectrum
- Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
- Depression or anxiety
- Drug use or addiction
- Entitlement issues and irresponsibility
- Lack of respect or hostility towards family or authority
- Skipping school or failing grades
- Lack of motivation
- Low self-esteem, withdrawal
- Falling with the wrong crowd
- Unmanageable behavior
- Online or video game addictions
Activities
During downtime and weekends, students kick back and play all kinds of sports, work out in our Strength and Conditioning center, fish, hike, ride horses, and take off-site trips.
Academic Program
Resolution Ranch is accredited through SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which uses an Index of Education Quality to measure overall performance based on a comprehensive set of indicators and evaluative criteria. The overall and domain scores range from 100-400. Resolution Ranch is proud to have attained an Overall Score Average of 325.00—well above the average Overall Score of 282.79—and a Leadership Capacity Score of 340.00. .
We are also accredited by AdvancED, the largest community of education professionals in the world. A non-profit, non-partisan organization, it conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of Pre K-12 schools and school systems to ensure that all learners realize their full potential. Their expertise is grounded in more than a hundred years of work in school accreditation.
Students attend school for a minimum of 20 hours per week with an extra five hours of instruction available as needed. Your son’s curriculum is tailored to his grade level and customized to address any issues (such as ADHD, problems with authority, depression, etc.), that may be hindering his academic progress. To ensure students get the individualized attention they need, our classes are offered in a small setting. All our courses are fully transferrable to any public, private or boarding school in the U.S., so students won’t fall behind.
A Character-Building Program
Helping others, embracing responsibility, and communicating are all important components to the Resolution Ranch program. We believe being good to others is essential to building character and self-worth. When a student takes responsibility for himself and for helping someone besides himself, he learns the value of humility, gratitude, and compassion.
Twice a week, your son will participate in two Life Space Interviews with his Direct Care Worker. These mentoring sessions are a way for us discuss and assess anything your son may be feeling or going through, both personally and within the community. Life Space Interview reports are written after every interview and sent to therapist. Your child’s Direct Care Worker and Therapist are constantly working together to keep informed of his progress.
READY TO GIVE YOUR TROUBLED BOY A NEW START?
If you would like to learn more about Resolution Ranch Academy, contact us today.
New Hope Boys Home – A Place Where Young Men Rediscover Purpose, Faith, and Manhood
New Hope Boys Home is a life-changing residential program dedicated to helping boys ages 12–17 who are struggling with destructive behaviors, broken relationships, or emotional wounds. Located in the peaceful countryside of Central Texas, this ministry offers a Christ-centered refuge where young men can rediscover discipline, hope, and identity in Christ.
Rooted in the proven success of Teen Challenge principles, New Hope Boys Home focuses on one primary mission: to see each young man rise above his past and live out his God-given potential. The program is a structured, loving environment where character transformation is the true goal—an environment where troubled boys become godly men.
Spiritual Growth that Fuels Life Transformation
New Hope is more than a program—it’s a spiritual awakening. Through daily Bible study, chapel services, mentoring, and participation in a local church, boys begin to replace bitterness with forgiveness, rebellion with obedience, and confusion with clarity. The Teen Challenge discipleship curriculum is woven throughout each boy’s journey, providing a solid foundation in Biblical truth and personal accountability.
Character is the Curriculum
In a world that celebrates self-gratification, New Hope champions servant leadership, humility, and perseverance. Through a “Positive Peer Culture,” students are surrounded by young men striving toward similar goals—encouraging one another to grow in integrity, honesty, and respect. Boys learn that every choice matters, and every action carries responsibility. As they advance through levels of the program, they take on new roles and responsibilities, culminating in leadership training and mentorship of peers.
Family Restoration is at the Heart
While boys are being healed and transformed, families are being strengthened and restored. Monthly parent visit days provide sacred time for reconciliation and rebuilding trust in a supportive setting. Families also benefit from Biblical parenting guidance, helping them establish a foundation for lasting change when their son returns home.
Training for a Healthy and Purposeful Future
Although academics remain available and accredited, the emphasis at New Hope Boys Home is on preparing young men to live lives of purpose, leadership, and responsibility. Boys engage in structured physical activity, outdoor adventures, life skills training, and vocational opportunities—experiences that teach resilience, teamwork, and confidence in a world that desperately needs godly men.
What Others Are Saying
“This program truly saved my son’s life. We were losing him to anger, rebellion, and depression. Today, he’s a different young man—humble, respectful, and full of hope. He even leads our family in prayer now.”
— Parent of a former student
“When I came to New Hope, I was broken. I didn’t care about anything or anyone. But here, I found people who didn’t give up on me—who saw the man I could become. I found God again. I found myself again.”
— Former student
Why Wait? Hope Is Just Ahead
Your son’s struggle doesn’t have to be the end of his story. At New Hope Boys Home, boys experience a fresh start, free from the distractions and pressures that led them astray. They gain discipline, rediscover their faith, and develop the character needed to thrive in life. Our team is here to walk with you—and your son—toward healing, restoration, and a renewed future. Don’t wait for things to get worse. Now is the time to reclaim your son’s future and reignite hope in your family.
Looking for a Boys Ranch? Here’s What a Boys Ranch Can Offer
A boys ranch—sometimes called a ranch for troubled boys, therapeutic boys ranch, or Christian boys ranch—is a highly structured residential program designed to help young boys facing emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges. Typically set in a peaceful, rural environment, boys ranches combine professional counseling with hands-on learning experiences to foster personal growth, discipline, and resilience. These programs provide a unique alternative to traditional boot camps for boys, military schools for troubled boys, or behavioral boarding schools by focusing on positive, supportive interventions.
At a boys ranch, boys participate in a balanced daily routine that blends therapy, academic instruction, and outdoor activities. Therapeutic services include individualized counseling, group therapy, and mentorship—key components in addressing behavioral issues such as defiance, anger, depression, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance. Many parents searching for help for their sons use terms like best boys ranch for troubled teens, affordable boys ranch, or boys ranch with therapy programs—and these programs deliver exactly that: a life-changing combination of emotional support and practical skill-building.
The ranch setting itself is an important part of the healing process. Away from the distractions of modern life, boys engage in outdoor activities like animal care, horsemanship, agriculture, and ranch work—developing responsibility, a strong work ethic, and a sense of accomplishment. Many boys also experience academic renewal, as ranch programs offer personalized education plans to help them catch up or excel in school.
Through teamwork, communal living, and daily challenges, boys learn cooperation, respect, and social skills while building confidence and resilience. For families seeking a transformational program for boys or a structured residential program for at-risk youth, enrolling in a boys ranch can be a life-changing decision—helping troubled boys gain the tools they need to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term personal growth and success.