Turning Winds Private Boarding School Frequently Asked Questions

Is your boarding school accredited?

Turning Winds Academic Institute (TWAI) is accredited by Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and by National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA). Northwest Accreditation Commission and National Independent Private Schools Association are two of the best secondary academic accreditations that a private school can obtain. With these accreditations the credits earned while enrolled in our academic institute will transfer to any school or university in the nation. If a student is far enough along in his or her schooling before coming to TWAI we may also issue a high school diploma, once all requirements have been met. A solid accreditation is one of the most important components of good teen boarding schools.

Can my son or daughter earn a high school diploma?

Yes, our accreditations are accepted across the nation. A student may earn a high school diploma from our school. Occasionally we have a student who is years behind in school and the parents and student together decide to pursue a G.E.D. and afterwards start taking college courses. Here at our boys and girls boarding schools, students have earned up to 20 college credits, which is almost a full year of college.

Are your teachers certified?

Yes, we have teachers who are certified through the state of Montana. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds and are able to relate to and provide the best academic guidance to the students they teach.

Do you have licensed therapists?

Yes, our therapists are licensed by the state of Montana or are currently pursuing their license. Residents at our girls and boys boarding schools receive regular one-on-one counseling with one of our licensed therapists throughout their stay with us. We also offer consistent family counseling with one of our therapists.

Is Turning Winds Academic Institute licensed by the State?

Yes, we are licensed by the state of Montana. As part of our licensure TWAI must go through regular rigorous site visits and adhere to high licensing standards.

What type of medical staff do you employ?

TWAI employs a Registered Nurse. to oversee the students general health needs as well as to oversee and manage administration of medication for those students who take medication. In addition, we also have a psychiatrist who attends to the needs of those taking medication on a monthly basis.

What is your student population?

TWAI enrolls up to 65 students. This is not much bigger than most public school classrooms. Part of the reason we are one of the most successful private boarding schools is that our program is organized in a way that allows our professional staff adequate time to focus on each individual. We know that each one of our students is in desperate need of help and are committed to providing the necessary assistance to each teenager in our care.

How do I secure a bed for my son/daughter?

TWAI enrolls students on a "first come, first serve" basis. We typically have beds available but are full at times. The best thing to do is to download and fill out our application immediately. Once the application has been completed and faxed back to us and the child is accepted into our school we will guarantee a place for your son or daughter. We are here to help you through the entire admissions process. Call now, or contact us to secure your child's place at TWAI. 1-800-845-1380

Should I give my son/daughter one more chance?

Because we know human behavior so well we know that once a path is chosen it is usually followed unless an intervention is made. In a way we can be likened to a tree. When the tree is young it is very pliable. It can be moved in any direction. The older and bigger it gets, the less malleable it becomes. People are similar. The longer we hold onto behaviors the more attached to us they become and the more difficult it becomes to rid ourselves of them. The key is getting your son or daughter to us as soon as possible so that we have the best chance to help him or her change. TWAI is able to work with almost any teen in any stage of life. Call now to speak to an admissions counselor or contact us to consider your child's need for placement. 1-800-845-1380

What are the chances my child will change?

The probability your child will change is very great. We are very good at working with teens and providing an environment where struggling teens can have an optimal chance for success. While it is ultimately up to the child to make the decision to change, our program does provide a significant pull through the strong peer culture and experienced staff who excel in influencing teens to change as quickly as possible. Turning Winds Academic Institute has a very good success rate.

Will my child ever forgive me?

There may certainly be resentment at first but in most cases it will dissipate rather quickly. We have never had a student who has not let go of negative feelings being held as a result of being sent to TWAI. In almost every case, when a teen graduates from the orientation phase of our program there are wet eyes as they see their parents for the first time. Also, it is very common to see our students, as they are addressing their parents during their graduation, look at their parents with tear filled eyes and thank them for saving their life. That is a moment that every parent can look forward to with great anticipation.

Is my son/daughter with good people?

Our staff is among the best in the industry. We do thorough background checks on all of our employees. Our staff must go through extensive training each year to retain employment at TWAI.

What makes Turning Winds Academic Institute different from other programs out there?

Turning Winds Academic Institute is a "well oiled machine." We have been in the teen business long enough to know what works and what does not work. Our main areas of focus are: behavior modification, emotional stability, and academic achievement. We are very good at what we do. Below are a few key points that could set us apart from other programs.

• First-Class clinical team.
• One-on-one regular therapy sessions.
• Regular group sessions led by a counselor.
• Fully Accredited Academic Institute accredited by Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and by National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA).
• Certified teachers coming from a variety of backgrounds in education, affording them the necessary tools to cultivate success with each student.
• Small program of up to 65 students, which allows us to focus on the individual (Allowing no child to slip through the cracks).
• TWAI employees are amongst the best in the industry.
• Family oriented program.
• Located in Northwestern Montana on 150 acres with a beautiful trout river flowing through the property.
• Utilize the outdoors to help facilitate change.
• Partial scholarships available.
• Parents can qualify for educational loans.
• Aftercare program.

How long is the Program?

The average length of stay is approximately 12 months, with a six month minimum commitment. Although that is the average, the length of stay will vary for each teen we help. Some of our students are ready to go home after 12 months while occasionally others may need to stay a little longer in order to go home and be successful.

Where are you located?

TWAI is located in beautiful Northwestern Montana. Our facilities are nestled in the Purcell Mountains on 150+ acres. The south fork of the Yaak River runs through the entire property and is a great location for fishing and swimming in the summer. Outdoor activities are easily accessible right from our back door.

Is there a program closer to where I live?

A person with chronic cancer is not going to go to the hospital around the corner for treatment. They will go to a specialty hospital where they have the best chance of getting the help they need to get better. TWAI is a Specialty Boarding School. We are unique in the family oriented and values based approach we take in helping our teens make a change for the better. Families from all over the world have chosen our private school to help provide the necessary healing for their teen to overcome self-destructive behaviors. We are the best at what we do!

The most important thing that should be considered when looking to place a teen out of the home is what the program has to offer in terms of helping the child, not necessarily the program location. We accept students from all over the United States as well as internationally. Our students have come from almost every major continent. They have come from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia to name a few. For foreign enrollment information click here.

What is the cost of Turning Winds Academic Institute?

Tuition at TWAI is approximately $200 per day plus enrollment fees. Ask one of our admissions counselors about our partial scholarships. Educational loans are available to help pay for your child's stay at our boarding school. Call our admissions office to get more information regarding financing for your child's stay at TWAI, 1-800-845-1380.
Contact us online or by phone for a free assessment with one of our admissions counselors.