I would like to address this comment in response to the previous reviews below. For starters, if you are a parent in the position of having to look for an alternative living space outside your home, because your life with your daughter has become unmanageable, then first and foremost I want to say I have been in your shoes...searching aimlessly on the internet, talking to teachers, reading any book about teenagers I could get my hands on just to find some answers- any answers that would give me back the loving, kind, respectful daughter I once knew... If you were like me, you often were faced by other parents or even your own family telling you ""she is a teenager... that's what they do.. she will grow out of it.. it's just a phase.. I was the same way.... etc..."" But they didn't know or understand.... I do. I do know how difficult this time can be and what I want to encourage you is to not just go by what you read about ANY school or program you research, regardless of who you are getting your information from. No two schools are the same and regardless of being a teenager, our daughters are all different and have different needs and issues to address, therefore, every girl will have an experience which is unique to their personalities, history, strengths and weaknesses, as well as own unique family dynamics, so I ask that you keep that in mind as you read through others perspectives on their experiences. What I can give you is my own personal experience of Spring Ridge Academy. Once my husband and I realized we could not ""fix"" her and her problems were bigger then all of us, I knew I needed the best to help her and our family. Upon receiving a referral to Spring Ridge Academy and two other schools, my husband and I boarded a plane to meet with each of the school's directors and staff. Once on campus of SRA, we were warmly greeted by Mary Hicky, Assistant Head of School and Admissions Director. She sat down with us and listened to our story- just listened. Then the Clinical Director, Gary Hees joined us. The four of us sat for over an hour discussing our daughters history and listening to all our concerns. They completely saw our daughter for where she was, as if they had been watching footage of our family for the past three years. I cold hardly believe it. My husband and I began to feel something we hadn't in years... hope.... After our discussion with Mary and Gary, we had an opportunity to have lunch with three students on campus. These three girls really sealed the deal for myself and my husband. They were honest about what being a student at SRA was like, not just the good parts, but the parts that were the most challenging for each of them and how they were getting through. Most of all, I saw the same hope I had for my daughter reflected directly back to me in each of these girls eyes. They had hope for themselves and for their future. A look I had not seen in my daughters eyes for so very long... I knew from that moment on, this is where my daughter belonged. A place were she could see the best version of herself in the reflection of the girls, teachers and staff around her. My daughter attended SRA for just over two years. During that time, she learned what loving herself for herself feels like. She learned that trust is the most important part of any relationship and most of all, she learned that anything is possible for her in her life if she applies the tools she acquired while at SRA. The staff is continually evaluating and searching for the best tools to not only help the girls, but help the staff continue to grow as well. No school or program is perfect and neither are our daughters. If you are reading this as the desperate parent I was three years ago, I invite you at least call and speak to Mary or Susan and form your own opinion on what is best for your daughter, because only you can determine what will be the best fit for your daughter, not a review.
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