Treatment Philosophy
Maybe your son isn't working to his academic potential. Maybe he's refusing to go to school altogether. He may have adoption issues or a problem with authority. He may have friends who bring him down or no friends at all. He may be defiant or silent, exhibit anger or inappropriate passivity. No matter how bad it is or how bad it's been, we want you to know: it can be so much better.
How we Think
There's no such thing as a bad child (SM). This key phrase, coined right here on our campus nearly a century ago, is the inspiration behind everything we do. Our non-profit, private referral school and treatment program for boys 12-18 is built on the proven tenets of Starr Commonwealth, one of the oldest and most respected children's organizations in the country. For the boys who succeed here - and a remarkable percentage do - it's an approach that reaches deep.
Healing without Hurting
You may have run across schools that rely on point systems that punish and reward to "fix" behavior or programs based on the "tear them down to build them up" approach. We believe that a treatment program built on fear only compounds problems. At Montcalm, there are no threatening bars on the windows. There are no grim "time out" rooms. We treat kids with dignity, respect and a confidence that they will rise to meet our expectations. In the end, we are rarely disappointed.
Look for What’s Possible
Every boy has strengths. They may be hidden behind oppositional behaviors. They may be hidden in them. At Montcalm, we believe when you look for something positive, you'll find it. The industry term for this approach is "strength-based" and it's grounded in the theory that every child is good at something, even if it's hard to see.
Power of the Peer Group
Nobody has the right to hurt and everybody has the responsibility to help. There's a culture of caring at Montcalm and you'll see it everywhere. There is no ganging up here or deliberate provoking to get a reaction. This is a safe, nurturing environment where a boy can let his guard down and learn to trust.
Part of Something Bigger
Helping young people develop a stronger foundation of social interest allows them to discover in themselves what it really means to be connected to the world they live in. When the focus moves from self-centeredness to one of helping others, a student's self-concept begins to grow and the ability to problem-solve grows with it.
Embracing Family
We believe that any therapeutic treatment program for youth that doesn't include the family is missing one of the most critical components. That's why frequent parent contact - including campus visits, home visits when appropriate, phone calls, letters and e-mails - is not only welcomed but encouraged.