W E L C O M E T O A
New Start
At Resolution Ranch Academy, we help troubled teen boys journey back to their true selves and look ahead to a brighter future. Located on a beautiful, rustic Texas ranch, we are a small therapeutic boarding school dedicated to inspiring growth and gratitude through family values, personal responsibility, and academic support.
W E L C O M E T O A
New Start
At Resolution Ranch Academy, we help troubled teen boys journey back to their true selves and look ahead to a brighter future. Located on a beautiful, rustic Texas ranch, we are a small therapeutic boarding school dedicated to inspiring growth and gratitude through family values, personal responsibility, and academic support.
WHO WE HELP
Our treatment program is geared specifically towards troubled teenaged boys. We offer therapeutic help for a variety of issues including depression, out-of-control teen behavior or possible drug addiction. We believe our program is a better alternative to boot camps for teens.
WHO WE HELP
Our treatment program is geared specifically towards troubled teenaged boys. We offer therapeutic help for a variety of issues including depression, out-of-control teen behavior or possible drug addiction. We believe our program is a better alternative to boot camps for teens.
Our therapeutic boarding school offers a nurturing environment where teenage boys can find unconditional support, and guidance. If your son is suffering from behavior issues, depression or is making choices that cause harm to himself or others, we are here to help. Since 2004, we have helped many teenagers suffering from a variety of diagnoses including:
Occasionally we find it’s in a student’s best interest to seek help elsewhere. This includes students who are:
HOW IT WORKS
We combine Equine Therapy, Clinical Therapy and Academics in five levels of achievement with a goal of initiating personal growth in a boarding school setting.
HOW IT WORKS
We combine Equine Therapy, Clinical Therapy and Academics in five levels of achievement with a goal of initiating personal growth in a boarding school setting.
This introduction period focuses on respect, communication and expectations; students learn about the program while therapists learn about the students.
Students and therapists identify the issues they’d like to work on and establish goals during this time focused on discovery and new beginnings.
Students in level three—which is considered a turning point for deeper therapy, change, and humility— have demonstrated an ability to make wise decisions and are expected to utilize skills like leadership and anger management.
During this time, students focus on relationships and making amends, while a proven willingness to grow and help others often leads to an increase in independence and confidence.
The last level of our program is a period of reflection and affirmation; students reexamine their journey and develop a plan to continue their commitment to a better future.
For a full description of each level, download our parent packet.
Level work is the foundation of our program. It consists of written assignments each student works on three times per week, designed to foster self-reflection and accountability. To move up a level, a student must first take initiative, decide he’s ready, and obtain approval signatures from staff. Your son will then receive feedback from his community of peers and be voted up. Residents must progress through all levels in order to graduate our program.
While not all students come to Resolution Ranch for drug addiction, we incorporate a refined 12-Step Program into most treatments because of the program’s success in improving self-awareness, building a solid foundation for betterment, and furthering students’ sense of purpose.
Students are required to attend a specific number of AA/NA meetings per week; those who have no reported drug addiction or substance abuse problems attend Productive Choices meetings, where the 12 Steps are tailored to address their specific challenges.
In congruence with NA, we reference God as a label for each person’s personal spiritual Higher Power. Though we employ Christian principles, Resolution Ranch is tolerant of all religious and spiritual beliefs and will make every attempt to accommodate appropriate needs.
A Day at the Ranch
Scroll down to see what it’s like to be a student at the ranch. Our program is flexible, so it often varies slightly for each student. The following is a glance at some of the key components of our program, and what a typical day is like from start to finish.
A Day at the Ranch
Scroll down to see what it’s like to be a student at the ranch. Our program is flexible, so it often varies slightly for each student. The following is a glance at some of the key components of our program, and what a typical day is like from start to finish.
Personal Training
7:30 AM Start
Personal Training
7:30 AM Start
Daily exercise provides structure and keeps students motivated by helping them set personal health goals. During the week small group sessions are held on Wednesday afternoon in our on-campus Strength and Conditioning center.
“We build relationships and a strong community through a little sweat while supporting each other.” — Neal Staab, Licensed Instructor
Breakfast
9:30 AM Start
Breakfast
9:30 AM Start
After working out, students return to their dorm to shower, get dressed, and make their way to breakfast. More than a meal, breakfast nurtures students’ sense of responsibility. They’re trusted with roles such as serving food in a timely manner and making sure the dishes and the kitchen are cleaned up.
Chores
10:00 AM Start
Chores
10:00 AM Start
Daily chores help students work on their time management skills and instill a sense of responsibility. Students are in charge of washing and hanging their own laundry; other projects, like building a fence, helping out in the kitchen, or lending a hand for repairs, are assigned based on a student’s interest. Showing initiative is key.
Academics
11:00 AM Start
Academics
11:00 AM Start
Academics are customized to each student’s strengths and needs. Our classrooms are set up to limit distractions, with resources like tutoring, ACT and SAT prep readily available.
“We set these guys up the best we can so they can go straight on to the next level, whether that next level is back into high school or straight into college.”
— Dr. Laurie English, Director of Education.
Equine Therapy
1:30 PM Start
Equine Therapy
1:30 PM Start
By working directly with horses and being responsible for their care, students learn about the importance of communication, authenticity, and safety through Equine Therapy.
“The horse reflects the behavior of the person interacting with it. It’s very telling. The horse depends on being able to read you, where you are, what’s going on, what your intentions are.”
-Dana Monroe, Equine Director
Therapy
3:00 PM Start
Therapy
3:00 PM Start
Students engage in various forms of therapy throughout the week. This includes individual therapy with one of our licensed clinical therapists, group therapy with 7 to 8 individuals in the community, and family therapy sessions that include parents and siblings. Resolution Ranch therapists specialize in Behavior Modification Therapy and work closely with troubled teens to identify core issues, their roots, and treatment.
Group Activities
4:00 PM Start
Group Activities
4:00 PM Start
Working with others is an essential part of life at Resolution Ranch. Group activities can range from athletics, such as playing football with our Founder, former NFL player Scott McGarrahan, to art classes taught by visiting artists.
“Sometimes each individual can’t solve every problem. But there’s not much we can’t get done, whatever comes up, together.”
— Scott McGarrahan, Founder
END-OF-DAY
5:30 PM Start
END-OF-DAY
5:30 PM Start
As the day winds to a close, the quiet time after dinner is perfect for reflection. Many students choose to work on their journaling in the evenings, while others come together in groups to discuss their progress. NA meetings, for students dealing with substance abuse, are held during this time, as are Productive Choices meetings. An optional spiritual development class is available to students as well.