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Boot Camps & Military Schools in Arkansas

A teen that has gone beyond the discipline of his or her parents may need outside help to correct behavioral issues. Military school and short term boot camps are often considered as a solution because of their rigid schedule and structure. However, it is important to understand the requirements and differences between these programs before selecting one for your child. We at Help Your Teen Now are dedicated to educating parents about treatment options for their child as well as help them get access to the information they need in order to make the most informed decision for their family’s needs. Call us today for your free consultation and assessment.

Boot Camps Are Not The Best Option for Troubled Teens from Arkansas

Among the misconceptions about military schools and boot camps are the idea that the rigid rules and strict curriculum will cure a teen with behavioral issues. While the idea might have merit, military schools are intended for students who are voluntarily there for an exemplary education and a head start into a career in the armed services. Boot camps are short term remedial facilities that are intended to scare teens into respecting authority. Military schools will not keep students with behavior problems and boot camps are a short term solution to more deeply rooted issues in struggling teens. We recommend that you consider an alternative or therapeutic boarding school where your child will have access to both an education as well as a staff trained to address their individual issues. We want to partner with you to determine the best solution for your child and for your family.

Arkansas Regulatory Laws

Nonpublic schools may choose to become accredited through the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association, although it is not required. All instructors are eligible for professional development services through the Arkansas Online Professional Development Initiative, however a teaching certificate is not required. (Ark. Code Ann. §6-17-707). The curriculum must be taught in English (Ark. Code Ann.§6-16-104) and all schools are required to display an American flag. (Ark. Code Ann.§6-16-105(b). Students must be up to date on immunizations or possess the proper paperwork for exemption. (Ark. Code Ann.§6-18-702(a), (f). nonpublic schools must adhere to safety standards such as regular fire drills and unlocked exits (Ark. Code Ann.§12-13-109). Loitering and trespassing on school grounds by non students or employees is subject to a fine (Ark. Code Ann. §6-21-606).

 

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf

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Arkansas Regulatory Laws

Nonpublic schools may choose to become accredited through the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association, although it is not required. All instructors are eligible for professional development services through the Arkansas Online Professional Development Initiative, however a teaching certificate is not required. (Ark. Code Ann. §6-17-707). The curriculum must be taught in English (Ark. Code Ann.§6-16-104) and all schools are required to display an American flag. (Ark. Code Ann.§6-16-105(b). Students must be up to date on immunizations or possess the proper paperwork for exemption. (Ark. Code Ann.§6-18-702(a), (f). nonpublic schools must adhere to safety standards such as regular fire drills and unlocked exits (Ark. Code Ann.§12-13-109). Loitering and trespassing on school grounds by non students or employees is subject to a fine (Ark. Code Ann. §6-21-606).

 

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf

Statistics for At-Risk Arkansas Teens

ADD/ADHD

  • 10.6%

10.6 percent of children in Arkansas, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9489617/

TEEN PREGNANCY 

  • 27.8%

The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Arkansas is 27.8 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

  • 11.6%

Arkansas ranks 22nd with a suicide rate of 11.6 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/AR

DRUG USE

  • 6.26%

In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Arkansas, about 6.26% 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/#arkansas

ALCOHOL USE

  • 8.35%

Approximately 8.35% of teens in Arkansas suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).

https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#arkansas

TEEN VAPING

  • 24.3%

Arkansas ranks 20th among all states, with 24.3% of high school teens reported to have used vapes. (Drug Watch, 2024).

https://www.drugwatch.com/e-cigarettes/vape-stat-by-state/

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.

https://www.addictionhelp.com/porn/statistics/

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!

Please contact us right away if you are considering a boot camp or military school as a solution for your struggling teen. There are multiple programs that may be a better fit for your child’s needs and that will address the problems for long term solutions. Alternative and therapeutic boarding schools are fully staffed with education professionals as well as therapists who are dedicated to successful behavior modification. Our free consultation and assessment will help us direct you to the specific information that you need in order to make a decision that you can be confident in. We know that parenting a troubled child can be exhausting and overwhelming. Let us guide you through the selection process so that you can get your family back on track as soon as possible. Call us today to discuss your many options.