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boarding schools for troubled teens In Vermont
Keeping your child out of harm’s way is a natural part of being a parent. But when your teenager chooses to participate in activities and behavior that is destructive and damaging, what can you do? Alternative and therapeutic boarding schools can step in when you’ve lost touch with your at-risk teen. HelpYourTeenNow is a parent advocate group dedicated to assisting parents and children who want to explore the options of therapeutic and alternative boarding schools. Our vast network of resources will let you make the best decision based on program success, location, cost and your teen’s issues. Call HelpYourTeenNow for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do Schools for Troubled Teens in Vermont Work?
Schools for troubled teens in Vermont can be effective when they provide a balanced mix of therapeutic support and academic structure. Vermont’s natural environment often plays a key role in programs, using outdoor activities like hiking or nature therapy to help teens build resilience and emotional skills. Success in these schools depends largely on finding a program tailored to your teen’s unique needs and challenges, staffed by experienced professionals. To understand more about how these schools operate and what to expect, check out our guide to boarding schools for troubled teens.
When Should You Consider a School for Troubled Teens in Vermont?
Considering a therapeutic boarding school in Vermont is often the right step when your teen is struggling with behavioral, emotional, or substance-related issues that are not improving with home-based or outpatient treatment. These schools offer a structured, supportive environment away from everyday stressors, which can be critical for real progress. Many families choose this path when local resources have been exhausted or when they want a comprehensive approach that includes therapy, education, and life skills development. For personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact Help Your Teen Now—our guidance is free and confidential.
Vermont Regulatory Laws
Licensing regulations for residential care facilities are enforced by the Vermont Department for Children and Families via the Family Services Division. It includes residential treatment programs and wilderness programs for youth.
Vermont private schools have no requirements for accreditation, registration or licensing. Approval is optional and schools may apply with the State Board of Education (16 VSA §828). Approved private schools must meet the board’s minimum course of study and complies with a range of standards (16 VSA §166(b). Teachers are not required to be licensed or certified (State Board Manual of Rules and Practices 2228.3.2).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
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Educational Recources
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Vermont Regulatory Laws
Licensing regulations for residential care facilities are enforced by the Vermont Department for Children and Families via the Family Services Division. It includes residential treatment programs and wilderness programs for youth.
Vermont private schools have no requirements for accreditation, registration or licensing. Approval is optional and schools may apply with the State Board of Education (16 VSA §828). Approved private schools must meet the board’s minimum course of study and complies with a range of standards (16 VSA §166(b). Teachers are not required to be licensed or certified (State Board Manual of Rules and Practices 2228.3.2).
Reference: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/regprivschl.pdf
Educational Recources
Statistics for At-Risk Vermont Teens
ADD/ADHD
- 9.1%
9.1 percent of children in Vermont, aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016–2019).
TEEN PREGNANCY
- 7%
The teen pregnancy rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Vermont 7 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
- 13.5%
Vermont ranks 29th with a suicide rate of 13.5 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/VT
DRUG USE
- 14.65%
In 2020, approximately 788,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide met the criteria for Illicit Drug Use Disorder (IDUD). In Vermont, about 14.65% of adolescents in this age group reported using illicit drugs, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
ALCOHOL USE
- 14.65%
Approximately 14.65% of teens in Vermont suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020).
TEEN VAPING
- 26.4%
Vermont ranks 16th among all states, with 26.4% 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!
HelpYourTeenNow is a non-profit, parents and professionals group with experience in turning around the lives of at-risk teens. We’re not affiliated with any school, program or organization. Rather, we want to use our experience as people who have been where you are and help parents like you figure out ways to best help their troubled teens. During our free consultation, HelpYourTeenNow will work with you to assess the issues and match you with a program that has the best chance of success.