Pine Mountain Boys Academy is a year-round, faith-based ranch program for boys ages 13-17, who are struggling with anger, defiance, minor substance abuse, or other destructive choices. The program enrolls boys who have life-controlling issues or have gotten off track in life.

This Christian boarding school for boys feels like a home. The beautiful 36-acre campus gives boys a peaceful and spacious setting in which to make lasting life changes, with plenty of animals all around.

A Relational Atmosphere that Brings Growth

Pine Mountain Boys Academy centers on relationships and on teaching leadership. Boys are introduced to Jesus Christ, learning that this relationship above all others has the power to heal and transform hurting lives. The committed staff understands the situations facing these young men, many from personal experience, and they love the boys like family. They help students to grow in their relationships with themselves and with each other and, in time, to heal broken relationships with their parents and families.

Therapy that Addresses and Changes Behavioral Issues

The Christian boarding school for boys is specifically designed to teach leadership and respect to boys who are struggling with behavioral issues. Each student is assigned to an on-site counselor.

Some of the issues the boy may be exhibiting may include:

• Low Self-Esteem
• Rebellion/Anger/Defiance
• Depression/Suicidal Thoughts
• Deceitfulness/Cheating/Theft
• Manipulation
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse
• Trouble with the Law
• Failing Grades in School
• Self-Destructive Behavior

An Affordable Boarding School for Struggling Boys

Pine Mountain Academy offers life transformation to boys who are struggling with life-impacting behaviors, addictions or attitudes. This program includes a number of elements, but the overall goal is to see boys prepared to transition successfully back to a normal and healthy lifestyle, whether that be college, ministry or the workforce. Ideally, the goal is to see every young man following God.

Our History

Pine Mountain is the site of a former church. When the church closed, the 36-acre property was purchased by a local family. The family donated the property to Griffin First Assembly 8 years ago, with the stipulation that it must be used for a drug and alcohol treatment center. Griffin First Assembly teamed up with Florida/Georgia Teen Challenge, and Prayer Mountain Boys Academy was born.

Spiritual Direction and Growth

Staff at Pine Mountain are all committed believers in Jesus Christ who model positive choices and the Christian life for the young men, providing mentorship and strong role models. Boys attend chapel services on campus, where they receive Biblical teaching on practical issues. Pine Mountain also has a strongly supportive relationship with a local church, which supports the work and ministry of Pine Mountain and also provides a church home. Boys and staff attend services on Sundays and Wednesdays and participate in missions projects. Boys also work through the Teen Challenge discipleship curriculum as part of the program requirements.

Positive Environment

Positive Peer culture means an environment where making the right choices is accepted and encouraged. Boys who have been “following the wrong crowd” into destructive behaviors instead find themselves pushed by their peers toward responsibility, integrity, and growth. Positive choices are rewarded. The campus promotes teamwork and accountability among students as well.

As they progress through the program, boys advance through three levels that govern privileges and indicate progress. To promote a boy to the next level, staff look for evidence of personal growth in matters of attitude, character, and personal conduct. The third and highest level carries with it expectations of and training in leadership skills.

Family Restoration

The goal at Pine Mountain is to see families healed and restored. Parents are invited to visit with their son on campus once each month. These family days give families time to restore relationships within the supportive environment on campus. Parents also have the opportunity to spend time with other parents and with staff and to receive Godly counsel.

Our Core Values

Integrity – “Living and working with excellence”
Compassion – “Embracing hope, love, and reconciliation”
Community – “Working together and supporting one another”
Vision – “Seeing beyond the present”
Stewardship -“Faithfully managing God’s call and resources”
Faith – “Believing God for the impossible”
Servanthood – “Dedicating ourselves to the success of others”