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boarding schools for troubled teens In West Virginia
At HelpYourTeenNow, we put parents like you in touch with experts in order to help you make an important decision—whether to send your teenager to an alternative or therapeutic boarding school. During adolescence, teens can make poor choices, abuse drugs and alcohol and cave in to destructive peer pressure. An alternative or therapeutic boarding school can help your teen develop more positive habits and help him or her deal with the issues causing the destructive behavior. Call HelpYourTeenNow for answers to all your questions about these kinds of programs and we’ll work with you to make the right decision.
Do Schools for Troubled Teens in West Virginia Work?
Schools for troubled teens in West Virginia can be effective when they offer a balanced approach combining therapeutic support and education tailored to each teen’s needs. Many programs use West Virginia’s natural landscapes for outdoor activities that promote healing and personal growth. While results vary depending on the individual and program, these schools are designed to provide a structured, safe environment to help teens overcome behavioral challenges. For deeper insights into how these schools operate, check out our page on boarding schools for troubled teens.
When Should You Consider a School for Troubled Teens in West Virginia?
If your teen is struggling with emotional or behavioral issues that haven’t improved through traditional therapy or local resources in West Virginia, considering a therapeutic boarding school might be the right step. These schools offer comprehensive care, often away from negative influences, helping teens develop healthier coping skills in a supportive setting. Families often explore this option when outpatient treatments no longer meet their teen’s needs. For free, expert advice on finding the right program, don’t hesitate to contact Help Your Teen Now.
West Virginia Regulatory Laws
Residential youth facilities are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau for Children and Families, Office of Children and Family Policy, Division of Children and Adult Services.
As is the status in many other states, private schools in West Virginia are not required to become accredited. Schools can register with the state superintendent of schools (WV Code §18-28-6) and must seek approval from its local board of education. Certification of teachers is not required for West Virginia private schools. All approved and registered schools must teach in English (WV Code §18-2-7). Standardized testing is optional, but schools are encouraged to select approved national tests and administer them annually (WV Code §18-28-3).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
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Educational Recources
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West Virginia Regulatory Laws
Residential youth facilities are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau for Children and Families, Office of Children and Family Policy, Division of Children and Adult Services.
As is the status in many other states, private schools in West Virginia are not required to become accredited. Schools can register with the state superintendent of schools (WV Code §18-28-6) and must seek approval from its local board of education. Certification of teachers is not required for West Virginia private schools. All approved and registered schools must teach in English (WV Code §18-2-7). Standardized testing is optional, but schools are encouraged to select approved national tests and administer them annually (WV Code §18-28-3).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
Educational Recources
Statistics for At-Risk West Virginia Teens
ADD/ADHD
- 12.9%
12.9 percent of children in West Virginia, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).
TEEN PREGNANCY
- 22.5%
The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in West Virginia 22.5 per 1,000 females in this age group, according to the World Population Review.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/teen-pregnancy-rates-by-state
TEEN SUICIDE
- 9.4%
West Virginia ranks 11th with a suicide rate of 9.4 deaths per 100,000 adolescents aged 15 to 19, according to data from the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death Files (2020–2022).
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/teen_suicide/WV
DRUG USE
- 8.78%
In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In West Virginia, about 8.78% of adolescents in this age group reported using illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#west-virginia
ALCOHOL USE
- 9.58%
Approximately 9.58% of teens in West Virginia suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#west-virginia
TEEN VAPING
- 35.7%
West Virginia ranks 1st among all states, with 35.7% of high school teens reported to have used vapes. (Drug Watch, 2024).
TEEN PORNOGRAPHY
- 57%
The porn industry experienced a 12.6% annual revenue increase from 2018 to 2023. Adolescent exposure to pornography has steadily risen, with the age of first exposure becoming increasingly younger. 57% of young adults ages 18-25 use porn monthly or more often.
TEEN BULLYING
- 46%
According to Pew Research Center, 46% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 have experienced at least one of six types of cyberbullying behaviors. (Pew Research Center, 2022).
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/
Summary
We Can Help!
When you’ve done everything you can do for your teen, but he or she is still making poor choices, consider a therapeutic or alternative boarding school. Choosing which program is best for your teen is difficult, so turn to HelpYourTeenNow. Our free consultation will cover an assessment of your child’s issues as well as expert advice on what programs in your area may be the best match. When you run out of options, call HelpYourTeenNow—the parent advocate group that is dedicated to helping parents become informed and educated on their options.