Boot Camps & Military Schools in Maine

If you are parenting a teen whose behavior has gone beyond your ability to control, you may have received advice that a military school or juvenile boot camp is the solution. It is important for you to understand the differences and requirements in these programs in order to make a decision that will be the most beneficial for your family. At Help Your Teen Now, we are experienced in helping families just like yours become educated about their options and obtain information and resources that will be most valuable. We offer a free consultation and family assessment in order to help guide you toward the knowledge you need in order to move forward in healing your family. Call us today.

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

Although the rules and structure of a military camp may seem the most ideal option for your at-risk teen, there are many factors and misconceptions to consider first. For instance, military camps are not generally designed to correct bad behavior. They are academic institutions that prepare students for an officer career in the military. Students who refuse to respect authority will most likely be asked to leave. Boot camps and military camps are short term, remedial facilities that are both non-academic and non-therapeutic. Although the military based structure can be effective for a short time, long term success is unlikely. Further, many of these camps are under-regulated and engage in questionable methods. At Help Your Teen now, we encourage parents to consider an option with a therapeutic base in order to get to the bottom of what is causing the behavior issues in your child. Therapeutic boarding schools and alternative high schools are proven to have a much higher success rate for behavior modification, while keeping kids on track educationally. Contact us today to explore the options in your area.

Maine Regulatory Laws

Approval and recognition by the Maine Department of Education is mandatory, however accreditation is optional. Nonpublic schools must meet the attendance, health and safety standards as determined by the state. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §2902. Periodic review of nonpublic schools by the commissioner is necessary to maintain yearly approval status. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §258-A.

With the exception of those schools accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, teachers and instructors must be approved by the commissioner. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §§ 2901, 13003. Chief administrators employed by nonpublic schools are required to hold a principal’s certificate. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §13019-B.

Nonpublic school curriculum must be approved by the commissioner. It is required to include instruction in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, library instruction, math, science, art, drama, American and local history as well as social studies. Each school must also implement a drug and alcohol awareness program. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §§2902.3, 4706, 4711.

All new students must show proof of immunization or official paperwork for exemption. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §6353.3, 4, 6. Students in nonpublic schools are entitled to the same health benefits as public school students, including: physician, nursing, dental and optometric services. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 30-A, §5724.7.
All new students must show proof of immunization or official paperwork for exemption. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 20-A, §6353.3, 4, 6. Students in nonpublic schools are entitled to the same health benefits as public school students, including: physician, nursing, dental and optometric services. Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 30-A, §5724.7.

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