Location Page

Therapeutic & Alternative Boarding Schools In Rhode Island

Between the ages of 12 and 17, teens face many changes, from physical development to social pressure. Sometimes, teens fail to make the right decisions in coping with those changes, and the results can be aggressive behavior, rebellion, substance abuse, destructive tendencies and criminal activity. At HelpYourTeenNow, we can advise you on the best alternative and therapeutic boarding schools in and around Rhode Island. These schools are designed to teach your teenager about being independent, making wise choices and increasing self-esteem. We’ll provide you with information on programs with a proven success record and steer you away from those that haven’t proved themselves. Call HelpYourTeenNow for a free consultation with parents and professionals who have experiences with at-risk teens and can help you face the challenges ahead.

Rhode Island Regulatory Laws

Children’s residential programs in the state are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. Therapeutic and alternative boarding schools are included in the department’s oversight of group homes, emergency shelters and long-term, residential care facilities for children and youth.

Approval is mandatory for private schools and is done by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In order to be approved, a school’s curriculum must comply with state standards (RIGL 16-19-2, 16-22-1 et.seq., 16-60-4(10). Certification for teachers is not required by the state, but all teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and a full background check (RIGL 16-2-18.1, 16-19-2; Regents Regulations L-6-4.4). A curriculum comparable to public schools must be submitted and approved for all private schools, and instruction must be given in English (RIGL 16-19-2, 16-22-2, 16-22-4). State testing is optional for private schools in Rhode Island (RIGL 16-22-9).

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

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Rhode Island Regulatory Laws

Children’s residential programs in the state are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families. Therapeutic and alternative boarding schools are included in the department’s oversight of group homes, emergency shelters and long-term, residential care facilities for children and youth.

Approval is mandatory for private schools and is done by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In order to be approved, a school’s curriculum must comply with state standards (RIGL 16-19-2, 16-22-1 et.seq., 16-60-4(10). Certification for teachers is not required by the state, but all teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and a full background check (RIGL 16-2-18.1, 16-19-2; Regents Regulations L-6-4.4). A curriculum comparable to public schools must be submitted and approved for all private schools, and instruction must be given in English (RIGL 16-19-2, 16-22-2, 16-22-4). State testing is optional for private schools in Rhode Island (RIGL 16-22-9).

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

Statistics for At-Risk Rhode Island Teens

ADD/ADHD

  • 10.6%

10.6 percent of children in Rhode Island, 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 

  • 9.4%

The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Rhode Island is 9.4 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

  • 5%

Rhode Island ranks 1st with a suicide rate of 5 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/RI

DRUG USE

  • 9.64%

In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Rhode Island, about 9.64% 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/#rhode-island

ALCOHOL USE

  • 11.02%

Approximately 11.02% of teens in Rhode Island suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).

https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/#rhode-island

TEEN VAPING

  • 30.1%

Rhode Island ranks 10th among all states, with 30.1% 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!

When you’ve tried everything you can think of but still aren’t reaching your rebellious teenager, consider calling HelpYourTeenNow. Our experts will consult with you for free, and give you an assessment of your family’s situation. As a parent advocate group, we’re dedicated to helping people like you make the best decisions for their family and gain the most accurate and insightful information out there. Alternative and therapeutic boarding schools have changed the lives of hundreds of at-risk teens, and HelpYourTeenNow can match you up with the one that best fits your situation and your teen’s issues.