Alternative Disciplinary Schools for Troubled Kids in Pennsylvania

Most kids struggle with minor behavior problems from time to time, but some kids have more severe behavioral issues and find themselves unable to succeed in a traditional school. For these kids, ages 11 to 18, an alternative disciplinary school is sometimes necessary. The Pennsylvania Department of Education sets forth guidelines regarding the placement of students in Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth programs and also works to ensure that these schools provide appropriate behavioral and academic support services.

PATH PA Treatment & Healing

PATH PA Treatment & Healing has several locations in Pennsylvania that provide alternative educational services for students in 7th through 12th grades. To begin the program, children must be referred by court officials or school administrators. This program helps kids with severe behavioral problems and those who have had issues with substance abuse, serious misconduct and disregard for authority. Class sizes are kept small for more one-on-one help. Students are constantly supervised in a structured learning environment. Counselors are trained to help children with emotional and behavioral issues.

New Life Academy

New Life Academy, located in Schwenksville, is a private alternative school, licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The academic program is fully accredited and structured to meet each student's individual needs. Children, ages 12 to 18, can attend day classes or become residential clients of the academy. Students can participate in occupational classes, such as computer technology, cosmetology and culinary arts. Team sports, such as basketball and baseball, are also offered to all students. Therapeutic programs include art therapy and equine therapy.

CSF & Buxmont Academy

In Bethlehem, CSF & Buxmont Academy offers a day school program for students who have issues with authority and behavior. Special education students in 6th through 12th grades and mainstream students in 7th through 12th grades can participate in a Study Island guided curriculum that is taught to small classes, with individualized attention and one-on-one tutoring. Students are given an Individualized Education Plan and are taught by state-certified teachers.

Roosevelt Campus of the NAHS

Roosevelt Campus of the NAHS is a program for troubled students in Norristown and is part of the Norristown Area High School 1. The school's goal is to help students with credit recovery. Teens may need to recover credit because of issues including truancy, teen pregnancy or parenting, or academic problems. Participants who do the work and recover their credits may be able to catch up and graduate with their class. An Individualized Success Plan is created for each student, by the student, parents, lead teacher, guidance counselor and principal. This team meets throughout the year to ensure goals are being met.

River Rock Academy

River Rock Academy provides educational services to students who have had discipline problems, such as violent behavior at school, truancy, use of a controlled substance at school and persistent disregard for authority in school 2. There are several campuses in Pennsylvania, including Carlisle, Amity, Newville, Spring Grove and Shiremantown. Children in grades six through 12 can participate in programs including specialized education services, social skills development, test prep and counseling. The school is also a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare licensed day treatment facility for kids, ages 11 to 18, who are from York or Adams County. Referrals for this school must be made through a child's home school district.